ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Gloria Bowden finds it hard to understand how the late John DuPree Jr., could be accused of embezzling millions, knowing what she does about the former CEO's late father and the values he instilled in his family and community.
According to a civil complaint filed by the NCUA, DuPree, the former manager of Shiloh of Alexandria FCU in Alexandria, Va., allegedly embezzled $9.7 million.
The $2.4 million credit union was liquidated by NCUA in April. DuPree apparently took his own life April 4, one day before a meeting with NCUA to discuss discrepancies the agency had spotted in year-end accounting (see related story, page 1).
"I find this (embezzlement allegations) shocking," said Bowden, EVP-COO at $160 million HEW FCU. Bowden first met DuPree Sr., founder and original manager of Shiloh of Alexandria, more than 30 years ago when DuPree Sr. worked with her credit union to obtain furniture for his new CU. DuPree Sr. died in 2009 and his son took over as manager.
"John DuPree (Sr.) was such an upstanding gentleman, a champion for credit unions, just the finest individual," said Bowden. "I know John was very adamant about instilling in his son the values of the credit union movement and teaching him everything about credit unions. He was very proud of his family."
Bowden said she met DuPree Jr. only twice, once at a credit union meeting in Chicago and then at the funeral for DuPree Sr.
A Tradition Of Government Service
Bowden said the father worked at the Department of Health and Human Services. DuPree Jr. held a position in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance from April 16, 1995, until the time of his death, according to an EPA spokesperson who declined further comment.
After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1983 with honors, DuPree received a Presidential appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in 1988. He received a B.S. in physical science from the Academy and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Catholic University in Washington, the blog stated. He was commissioned and served as a lieutenant junior grade officer in the Navy for five years. DuPree, who was 48 when he died this year, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
The blog stated that DuPree Jr. took over the manager's role at the CU because he "loved helping people." During his tenure at SAFCU, DuPree received awards for "outstanding management" and accepted the Shiloh Community Service Award.
Over the years staff at the Virginia CU League, Lynchburg, Va., knew both DuPrees. SVP David Miles said, "We were deeply saddened to learn of John's death and equally shocked and saddened to learn of the circumstances leading to his (apparent) suicide. Our involvement with Shiloh of Alexandria FCU goes back to the founding of the credit union by his father, John Sr." Miles said both father and son "passionately and tirelessly" worked to help members of the church and community as they grew the tiny credit union. "What has come to light recently with regard to the embezzlement of funds from the credit union seems totally out of character with the man we thought we knew."
