The Flowery Branch woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Gainesville-based non-profit has entered a not guilty plea in her criminal trial.
Rebecca Benefield Vinson, age 54, was arrested in March 2024 by Gainesville police on a charge of theft by taking after police said they found evidence she had stolen over $12,000 from the organization Randy and Friends. Vinson was the former director of the organization.
"We believe she was using a number of different methods. Those included financial transaction cards, through which she would order items online from Amazon and other services such as that, as well as through payroll checks," Gainesville Police Lt. Kevin Holbrook said after Vinson's 2024 arrest.
Vinson was soon released on bond following the arrest, with Gainesville police continuing their investigation into the alleged theft. In early April, criminal filings in the case began in Hall County Superior Court.
The allegations against Vinson in the court filings accused her of stealing more than double the originally estimated amount.
"Between the 30th day of March, 2022, and the 1st day of November 2023, (Vinson) did unlawfully take money, the property of Randy and Friends, Inc., with a value of more than $25,000," the filing by Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh said.
Vinson was scheduled for an arraignment on May 6, but filed on April 29 to waive that arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty. Vinson's filing was made by her attorney, Jacob C. Stidham of Cumming-based law firm Banks, Stubbs & McFarland, LLP.
Court documents show the first potential trial start date for Vinson as August 18. John Breakfield is the presiding judge.
Since the allegations and Vinson's departure from the organization, Randy and Friends has re-branded to Bloom Enterprises of Georgia. The organization's website describes it as a Christian ministry focused on helping special needs youths and adults gain independence.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/5/1291057/flowery-branch-woman-enters-not-guilty-plea-in-alleged-theft-from-gainesville-non-profit