Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

A former Episcopal priest who led a Salina-based foster care nonprofit pleaded guilty to wire fraud in U.S. District Court on Feb. 19, admitting to using a company credit card for personal expenses.

The Rev. Robert N. Smith served as CEO of Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020. The organization provides foster care services across much of Kansas and five other states.

The wire fraud conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Judge Toby Crouse scheduled Smith's sentencing for July 15.

The Fraud Scheme

Smith was originally charged in November 2022 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering following a two-year federal investigation.

The charges stemmed from Smith's relationship with William Whymark, whom he hired to oversee information technology services. Federal prosecutors alleged that Whymark submitted—and Smith approved—more than $10 million in fraudulent invoices for IT work. More than $4.7 million of that allegedly represented fraud proceeds.

Prosecutors also alleged Smith received a $50,000 kickback from Whymark and misused a Saint Francis credit card for cash withdrawals, clothing and jewelry purchases, and family travel expenses.

The specific charge Smith pleaded guilty to involved his March 2018 use of a Saint Francis corporate credit card for personal expenses, for which the organization reimbursed him $6,909.73.

Impact on Saint Francis Ministries

When the board of Saint Francis Ministries discovered Smith's potential financial mismanagement in 2020, he was forced to resign. The alleged fraud scheme nearly pushed the nonprofit—founded in 1945 by an Episcopal priest—into insolvency.

The organization has since recovered, aided in part by $10 million received through the federal Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic, according to the Kansas Reflector.

Church Response and Co-Conspirator

Smith was ordained in 2011 and is canonically resident in the Diocese of Chicago, though he currently lives in Tennessee. Chicago Bishop Paula Clark suspended him from priestly ministry after the 2022 indictments.

Following Smith's guilty plea, Clark told Episcopal News Service that The Episcopal Church's disciplinary process will now proceed. "I take very seriously all accusations of clergy misconduct," she said, asking for prayers for Smith, his family "and all who are affected by this situation."

Whymark pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2025, to two counts of money laundering, which carries up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 30 in Topeka.

Civil Lawsuit Continues

In January 2022, Saint Francis Ministries filed a separate civil lawsuit against Smith, Whymark, former chief counsel David Schaffer, and the Chicago law firm where Schaffer worked. The lawsuit identifies Schaffer as Smith's friend and Whymark's brother.

Saint Francis is seeking repayment for legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duties. That case remains active.