FREMONT, Neb. — A Fremont man, Jonathan Paul, 42, is facing serious legal consequences after being arrested for impersonation and theft by deception related to a donated vehicle giveaway.
Paul was one of about 150 nominations received by Covered Waters, a local nonprofit that supports single mothers and foster children. The organization had been gifted a 2021 Chevy Traverse valued at $29,000, which they planned to give to a deserving family in need of reliable transportation.
But what was meant to be a generous act turned into a betrayal. According to the Fremont Police Department, Paul falsely claimed to be nominated by the principal of Deer Pointe Elementary School. An investigation revealed that he had used the principal’s personal information to nominate himself for the vehicle.
“We just felt crushed. We were used,” said Tina Barham, Director of Covered Waters.
Bailey Sturgeon, the nonprofit’s Director of Advocacy and Engagement, added:
“It really does kind of stink when you have something awesome that could really bless a family, and then somebody takes advantage of it.”
Paul now faces two felony charges, which could lead to up to 24 years in prison. He is currently being held in Saunders County with a bond set at $100,000.
In an interview, Paul’s wife expressed her distress and said he had acted out of desperation. She explained that he suffers from Parkinson’s disease and is in the process of applying for disability. She also claimed to have given a van to another family in need after Paul later traded the Chevy Traverse for a 2021 Ford Bronco due to engine issues.
“I never would have allowed or agreed to accepting the vehicle, knowing the truth,” she said.
Despite the situation, Covered Waters remains hopeful. “In the end, I hope that family does well and that they can grow from this,” said Barham. “We have no hard feelings towards them.”
The case is still under investigation.
