Former CJ chamber director accused of using chamber funds for personal expenses

A former Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce executive director is accused of using chamber credit cards for personal expenses.

Carl Junction Police say Nicholas Howard used chamber funds for purchases including utilities, streaming services, Amazon orders, restaurants, liquor stores, groceries, gas and airline expenses.

Investigators say Howard admitted some unauthorized spending began after he did not receive a bonus and needed money for a vacation. Police say he also admitted using a chamber card for a personal airline baggage fee.

Court records show more than $750 in unauthorized purchases on each of two chamber bank accounts.

Howard is accused of stealing and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit or debit device.