Woman accused of misusing donations

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - A Bastrop woman has been arrested and charged with misusing $12,000 meant for a local breast cancer resource center.

Ommaney Smith, 33, was arrested Tuesday on charges of misapplication of fiduciary property and deceptive business practices. Her bond has been set at $150,000.

"I was relieved," said Caitlyn Lopez. "I knew the investigation had been ongoing and just to know it was coming to a head and she wasn't going to continue to get away with what she had done to our community."

Lopez helped Smith raise funds for the Bastrop County Cowboy Boot Stampede for a Cure in October 2011. Several local businesses, including Lopez's real estate firm, donated money. In all, they collected $7,500. But investigators say Smith never gave the money to the Breast Cancer Resource Center , where it was supposed to be donated after the race.

"She ended up defrauding over $12,000 and that comes from businesses that she didn't pay," said Bastrop County Investigator Russell Abel.  "She talked a good game. The numbers just weren't adding up."

Lopez said she was especially hurt because she was a former classmate of Smith, who knew breast cancer issues were important to her.

"My grandmother was a 20-plus years survivor at the time," said Lopez. "She knew that was near and dear to my heart. "

Smith had begun organizing this year's race when Lopez and Abel both got a tip that she had not donated the money from last year's race. One sponsor had already donated money for the race, which was supposed to be on Saturday. It has since been canceled.

Smith was arrested Tuesday when she failed to show up for a scheduled meeting with investigators to discuss the charges.