Group Misused Funds, Neglected Land, Suit Says
State Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer has sued to dissolve a nonprofit organization in the San Bernardino Mountains, charging that the group’s board members misused charitable contributions and neglected the environmentally sensitive land they vowed to protect.
Lockyer filed the suit Thursday against the five officers of the Natural Heritage Foundation, formed to protect more than 500 acres of meadows and marshes near Big Bear Lake that are home to rare plants and animals. The suit names as defendants Robert L. Lindblad, Samantha R. Lindblad, Christian Lindblad, Coleen Lindblad and Robert T. Lindblad.
The suit charges that the family members began to neglect their responsibilities after three of the board members were arrested in connection with a shooting in June 2002. Christian Lindblad was charged with shooting his girlfriend and then leaving her in his garage for several days. Lindblad’s father, Robert L., and his mother, Samantha, later pleaded guilty to being accessories to attempted murder for failing to report the woman’s injuries.
Robert L. Lindblad was sentenced to three years in prison. His wife Samantha was put on probation. Christian Lindblad is to appear in court next month.
The suit charges that Christian Lindblad and his family used charitable donations to build a mountain home without permits. The suit asks the court to fine the Lindblads at least $20,000 and take possession of the group’s property and assets.
An attorney for the Lindblads could not be reached.
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