HOUSTON, TX — A Brenham man who led a nonprofit veteran support organization has been charged with misappropriating federal grant funds intended to aid homeless veterans, federal prosecutors announced.

Clifford Wayne Robertson, 59, was charged in a criminal information with embezzling federal funds awarded to Castle Cares Community Ministry Inc., doing business as The Warrior’s Refuge. The nonprofit operates as a homeless shelter and support facility for veterans.

Robertson is accused of misusing portions of approximately $1.8 million in combined federal grants awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) between February and April 2020.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, during his tenure as CEO and executive director, Robertson submitted multiple federal assistance applications on behalf of the organization. After the grants were awarded, prosecutors allege that he used some of the funds for personal expenses and for counseling services he did not provide to veterans.

Robertson is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett on July 28 at 10 a.m.

If convicted, Robertson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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