Oregon Nonprofit Founder Accused of Embezzling $837K from Disaster Victims

Lawsuit alleges Marc Brooks used charitable funds for personal expenses like casinos, strip clubs, and Disneyland trips

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:09am by

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled financial document, its edges and creases sharply defined by the stark lighting, conveying a sense of investigative urgency around the alleged embezzlement of charitable funds.The harsh flash illuminates the paper trail of alleged financial misdeeds at a nonprofit meant to aid disaster victims.Portland Today

The Oregon Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Cascade Relief Team and its founder Marc Brooks, accusing him of stealing nearly $837,000 in donations and grants meant to help victims of wildfires, floods, and tornadoes. The lawsuit alleges Brooks used the charitable funds for personal expenses such as credit card payments, travel, loans, rent, child support, liquor, strip clubs, and jewelry.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector, especially when it comes to disaster relief efforts that rely on public donations. The alleged misuse of funds intended to help vulnerable communities recover from natural disasters is a serious breach of public trust.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Brooks founded the Cascade Relief Team after the 2020 Labor Day wildfires in Oregon, and the organization later announced it would provide tornado relief in Kentucky. However, CRT was never properly governed, with board members listed on government filings claiming they had never seen financial records or attended meetings. Brooks allegedly opened multiple bank accounts in CRT's name, drained them, and racked up excessive fees until the accounts were closed. The lawsuit alleges Brooks used the charitable funds for his own benefit, including nearly $271,000 in personal credit card payments, loans, and bills, over $116,000 on travel unrelated to disaster relief, and more than $67,000 on personal expenses.

  • The lawsuit was filed on April 16, 2026 in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
  • CRT reported $48,000 in revenue in 2020, but only $26,195.76 was deposited.
  • In 2021, CRT reported revenues of $941,587, but only $856,000 was deposited.
  • CRT's contract with the Oregon Department of Human Services was not renewed in 2023 due to concerns over the organization's governance.
  • CRT reportedly ran out of money in late 2023, and Brooks fired the entire staff.

The players

Marc Brooks

The founder of Cascade Relief Team, who is accused of stealing nearly $837,000 in donations and grants meant to help victims of natural disasters.

Cascade Relief Team

An Oregon nonprofit organization that was founded by Marc Brooks after the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, but is accused of being improperly governed and misusing charitable funds.

Dan Rayfield

The Oregon Attorney General who filed the lawsuit against Cascade Relief Team and Marc Brooks.

Oregon Department of Human Services

A state agency that had a contract with Cascade Relief Team to provide social services and support to Oregonians in need, but chose not to renew the contract due to concerns over the organization's governance.

Oregon State Fire Marshal

A state agency that awarded a $100,000 grant to Cascade Relief Team to remove trees and debris from several wildfires, but was unable to confirm if the work was actually performed.

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What they’re saying

“Oregonians donated to this organization because they wanted to help their neighbors recover from wildfires and floods. Instead, that money went into one man's pocket, spent on casino trips and personal bills while flood and fire victims waited for assistance. We will be sure he is held accountable for every dollar he took.”

— Dan Rayfield, Oregon Attorney General

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks to have Brooks repay the $836,781.90 that was lost, permanently dissolve Cascade Relief Team, and prohibit him from leading or handling money for any other charitable organization in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in the nonprofit sector, especially when it comes to disaster relief efforts that rely on public donations. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for misuse of charitable funds and the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect vulnerable communities.