HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that the former finance manager for Food Export USA has been charged with theft of $180,000 from a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that facilitates trade between the United States and small-scale, international food suppliers.
Eric Kushner, 42, of Philadelphia, turned himself in Tuesday on felony charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
The investigation revealed that Kushner allegedly stole the money, transferring small sums from Food Export accounts into his personal accounts, between March 2022 and May 2023.
“This money should have fueled this organization’s mission to help small farms and businesses — instead the defendant allegedly prioritized his own personal gain,” Attorney General Henry said. “These charges should serve as a reminder that our office is committed to ensuring that money meant to further not-for-profit and charitable purposes is utilized appropriately, and not pocketed by individuals motivated by selfishness and greed.”
Food Export USA is a non-profit organization that was created in 1973 as a cooperative effort between state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kayla Bolan of the Financial Crimes Section. All charges are accusations. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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