Leaders of the neighborhood organizing group Acorn have been discussing a plan to sever ties with the group’s founder, Wade Rathke, whose brother stole nearly $1-million from the nonprofit group eight years ago, reports The New York Times.

While Mr. Rathke stepped down as the head of the organization this summer, some affiliated with Acorn have said his role as head of Acorn International has allowed him to continue to influence the group, the Times reports. One such deal under consideration that board members shared with the Times would have Mr. Rathke take over the Wal-Mart Alliance for Reform Now, an Acorn affiliate, and a Texas radio station affiliated with Acorn.

But Bertha Lewis, Acorn’s interim chief organizer, said no deal had been reached.

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