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(Seguin) — The former executive director of the Guadalupe County United Way is now behind bars, accused of stealing funds from the local nonprofit organization.
The case is being investigated by the Seguin Police Department. Police say 65-year-old Mary Lou Hargrave has been arrested and charged with theft of property valued between $150,000 and $300,000. Hargrave turned herself in at the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office on December 23 and was immediately booked into the Guadalupe County Jail.
The Seguin Police Department issued a press release on Tuesday that stated the investigation has been going on for months.
“On July 23, 2025, the Seguin Police Department was contacted by the president of the board for the Guadalupe County United Way regarding missing fiduciary funds from the organization’s operational account. At that time, the nonprofit organization had retained a forensic accountant to conduct a review of its First United Bank accounts after the executive director, Mary Lou Hargrave, a 65-year-old female from Utah, became uncooperative and several unauthorized transactions were discovered,” stated the release.
“The forensic review revealed that between December 2023 and June 2025, unauthorized transactions totaling just over $158,000 occurred. The report indicated the executive director, Mary Lou Hargrave, conducted unauthorized debit card purchases, cash withdrawals, issued checks payable to herself, and generated additional payroll checks payable to herself without authorization. The audit further revealed that more than $117,000 was transferred without board approval from the Guadalupe County United Way’s money market account into the operational account to cover the costs associated with Hargrave’s spending.”
Detectives say that the transactions began after Hargrave relocated to Utah and began working remotely. Hargrave had been employed with the Guadalupe County United Way since 2018 and was said to be familiar with the organization’s day-to-day operations and annual audit requirements.
“After detectives with the Seguin Police Department conducted a thorough investigation and interviewed Mary Lou Hargrave, as well as several other individuals, it was determined that sufficient evidence existed to pursue criminal charges. As a result, Mary Lou Hargrave was charged with theft of property greater than or equal to $150,000 but less than $300,000 from a nonprofit organization. An arrest warrant was issued on December 10, 2025. Earlier this month, Hargrave was located in Amarillo, Texas, and was taken into custody before being transported to the Guadalupe County Jail.”
While law enforcement officials continue to work the case, there is also new information regarding the future of United Way services in Guadalupe County. The United Way of Comal County (UWCC) is expanding its service area to include Guadalupe County — a move intended to ensure critical community needs continue to be met locally.