Statement from the Lincoln Nerd Fest Board
October 8, 2026

In June, the Lincoln Nerd Fest board identified discrepancies in the organization’s financial records. After reviewing the records and attempting to trace the discrepancies, we referred the matter to the Lincoln Police Department for investigation.

Earlier this week, former treasurer Valeri Craig and her husband were each charged two felony counts of theft by unlawful taking involving $5,000 or more. The charges concern alleged misuse of funds belonging to Lincoln Nerd Fest and a local PTA. These are allegations, and the charges have not been proven in court.

Once the discrepancies came to our attention, we took action to protect the organization’s funds and interests, and Craig was removed from the board. We have cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

We are also strengthening our financial oversight and accountability by reviewing how funds are managed, documented, and approved. Our priorities include clearer procedures, regular financial reviews, and shared oversight among board members to help prevent similar issues and protect the trust our community places in us.

This situation has presented significant challenges, but our current board and volunteers have worked diligently to ensure that this year’s Lincoln Nerd Fest continues as planned. The event will take place October 10–11 at the Sandhills Global Event Center. Our focus remains on providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging experience for our attendees, vendors, sponsors, and community.

We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and community members for their continued support. Their commitment, together with the work of our current board, has made it possible for us to move forward during a difficult time.

We take our responsibility to the community and the stewardship of nonprofit funds seriously. We will continue to respect the legal process and share additional information when appropriate.

Thank you for supporting Lincoln Nerd Fest and the community that makes it possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone this weekend and continuing our work in the years ahead.

— The Lincoln Nerd Fest Board

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