AIDS nonprofit group’s former associate director accused of theft

By Jackie Valley

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 | 3:23 p.m.

The former associate director of Aid for AIDS of Nevada has been charged with theft for allegedly using the nonprofit's money and gift cards for his own use, according to a criminal complaint filed earlier this month.

An arrest warrant for Jared Scott Hafen alleges he stole almost $800 to pay personal bills in November 2009 and created a fraudulent invoice in August to buy Chevron and Target gift cards totaling $12,661.25.

When approached by the executive director of AFAN in September, Hafen allegedly admitted to his actions and wanted to pay back the stolen money, according to the criminal complaint. He returned all but $2,682.50 worth of gift cards and started cashing in his retirement plan to pay restitution.

AFAN, however, still lost $4,172.56 because of restocking fees the businesses charged associated with returning the gift cards, police said in the arrest warrant.

During interviews with Metro Police detectives, Hafen admitted to initially falsely implicating another former employee in the alleged theft, the warrant alleges. He also told detectives he was planning to submit another order of gift cards for himself just before getting caught.

Hafen worked from September 2004 through September 2010 at the nonprofit, which provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.