Arkansas Veterans Village stalls operations after treasurer admits to stealing thousands of dollars

Christina Randall
·2 min read

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A local nonprofit that provides shelter for homeless veterans has stopped its operations due to an alleged embezzlement scheme.

Martin Svoboda II is charged with stealing from Arkansas Veterans Village (AVV). According to members of the non-profit, he stole over $150,000.

President of AVV Cindy Ford realized something was wrong on December 11, 2023.

“I was out walking my dog and I got a call on the phone and I looked and it said Arvest Bank. So, I answered the call and the lady on the phone said Ms. Ford your account is $7,000 overdrawn,” said Ford.

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Ford says Svoboda has been the treasurer for AVV for many years. Hunter Chastain is the secretary for the organization. He says he was shocked a veteran wouldn’t protect other veterans.

“He worked with employees in the school system, former army major. We thought the trust was there. So, it was a shock to the system,” said Chastain.

According to court documents, Svoboda admitted to detectives on December 13, 2023 he stole around $150,000. However, Ford and Chastain believe it was more. On January 2, 2024, Svoboda was arrested.

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“I thought I would feel some great relief and be back to normal when the arrest happened. He said you’re not. That’s gone,” said Ford.

According to members, the trust the organization had for Svoboda is gone.

“Depending on the circumstances, you are relying on the person next to you. And having that military mindset and him being an army major, it’s like being shot in the back,” said Chastain.

Ford says what hurts isn’t the money being gone. It’s not being able to help veterans in need.

“What he really stole, he stole shelter from homeless vets who are depending on us,” said Ford.

AVV is already taking steps to recovery. Ford says they have already created two new bank accounts and the group is creating a system where everyone has a second pair of eyes on all the operations.

If you would like to help AVV and homeless veterans in our area, click here.

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