The following statement was released via email on February 27, 2025. I am reposting it here due to questions being raised about its authenticity. It is authentic, I wrote it, and I have the documentation to back up my claims. Anyone wishing to confirm the details can email me at treasurer@capscentral.org or my personal email, jim@jimmacq.com or call the phone number listed below. (If you’re not in my contact list, it will go to voicemail.)
I didn’t want to make this a bigger thing than it was, but I’m told there are people circulating slanderous reports about me, and I’ve always found that the best defense is the truth.
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To Whom it May Concern, February 27, 2025
On November 25, 2024, a report was filed with the Burbank Police Department concerning embezzlement of funds totaling over $10,000 from CAPS by the former president, Christie Shinn. That report, Incident #24-78805, details how Shinn, through unauthorized use of the CAPS debit card, made personal purchases and payments including her home utility bills, car insurance, travel and hotel bookings, restaurant visits, Uber and Lyft, as well as cash withdrawals, all totaling over $10,000. When confronted by the board, she admitted to all of it and promised to repay the debt. She made one payment, then falsely accused the board of violating the confidentiality agreement that she had not signed. The case is now in the hands of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and prosecution is expected.
As a result of this case, CAPS has become aware that Ms. Shinn has also used her former title as President to lend credence to her baseless accusations against Jules Rivera (cartoonist for the Mark Trail comic strip) and Mike Wellman (former comic retailer and convention organizer), as part of extensive harassment campaigns she has waged against both.
None of these actions were discussed or approved by the CAPS Board prior to her filing of evidently false reports against both with various angencies including the National Cartoonist Society, King Features Syndicate, and police departments. Any statements made by Ms. Shinn regarding these two individuals are her own personal views and do not represent the views of CAPS, and we do not and have never endorsed or condoned her words or actions in these matters. Claims that she was acting on behalf of CAPS are false. We have no reason to believe that any claims she has made about Ms. Rivera or Mr. Wellman are factual or in any way relevant to CAPS. Her personal vendettas are hers alone.
Jim MacQuarrie
Treasurer, CAPS
626-497-2038
treasurer@capscentral.org
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You can download a PDF version of the letter at the link below.