Ryan Gary Obermoller, 46, has been charged with two felony counts of theft. He is accused of embezzling nearly $220,000 from Dylan’s Hope Foundation, a suicide prevention organization founded by his wife's family. The foundation was established following the death of 17-year-old Dylan Aaseby in 2013.
According to criminal records cited by the Minnesota Star Tribune, irregularities were discovered through discrepancies in the 2024 charity golf tournament revenue report. At that time, Mr. Obermoller served as the organization's executive director and treasurer.
Mr. Obermoller reported that the fundraising tournament brought in $51,500, even though the organization's total revenue for the entire fiscal year was only about $56,700, according to data from ProPublica. Upon reviewing bank accounts, the foundation's board discovered a $22,000 check that Mr. Obermoller had written to himself. Records state he later admitted to several other withdrawals, including one for more than $40,000.
Investigators estimate the total amount embezzled is at least $219,173. Prior to being charged, Mr. Obermoller had repaid approximately $30,000.
About Dylan’s Hope Foundation
Dylan’s Hope Foundation was established by the family to foster dialogue between youth and adults after Dylan Aaseby passed away on February 7, 2013. From 2013 to 2024, the organization recorded approximately $258,100 in revenue and spent nearly $240,030 on its activities.
Mr. Obermoller married Dylan’s sister and was involved in running the foundation for over a decade. The family stated he was placed in charge of finances due to his accounting experience. After the allegations were made public, his wife took over management duties.
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Mr. Obermoller was charged on February 17. The next court hearing for the case is scheduled for April 8.
At present, the family remains uncertain about what the embezzled funds were used for. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis in the U.S., you can call or text 988 – the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – for 24/7 support.
Source: Minnesota Star Tribune, Sherburne County court records, ProPublica.
