Founder of Local Charity Arrested

The founder of a local charitable foundation was arrested on charges that he allegedly used a credit card and EBT card entrusted to him for safekeeping.

According to Paducah Police, 40-year-old Ray Thomas Streetman, of Paducah, was arrested on charges of fraudulent use of a credit card, (more than $500, but less than $10,000), and fraudulent use of an ID card or electronic code for benefits.

Police say a victim told them that he gave his wallet and car keys to Streetman on June 28th for safekeeping. The wallet contained the victim's credit card and EBT card. He said when he got the wallet back, those two cards were missing.

An investigation showed the EBT card was used at at least one store in Paducah for more than $50. The credit card was used multiple times, including charges totaling more than $900 to the Hope Foundation, of which Streetman is the founder. All of the charges occurred during the time Streetman supposedly had the victim's wallet.

Streetman denied using the card and told police the wallet and keys remained locked up in the charity’s safe.

Streetman was arrested on charges of fraudulent use of a credit card, (more than $500 but less than $10,000) and fraudulent use of an ID card or electronic code for benefits, and was taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

According to its website, the Hope Foundation provides assistance to the homeless and near-homeless, veterans and inmates released into the community, helping them with food, clothing and rent and utilities, helping them find jobs and advance their education.