The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A former Pennsylvania school board member is accused of using more than $50,000 from her former employer to pay for personal expenses, including vacations, clothing and a Bar Mitzvah.
The 41-year-old Bala Cynwyd woman turned herself in to Lower Merion police Monday after detectives investigated her alleged use of company funds.
The authorities became involved in June after employees at the law firm marketing agency SMB reported concerns following an internal review of the company’s finances. Investigators examined the financial records and spoke with employees about spending, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators claimed that the woman used a company credit card and Amazon account for purchases that were not business-related. They believed the spending began in September 2024.
More than $25,000 allegedly went toward a vacation for family and friends. Another $25,596.68 was spent through the company’s Amazon account on items including clothing, bathroom accessories, and other personal purchases.
Police also allege she used company funds to pay $1,339 for photography and videography services connected to a Bar Mitzvah.
The investigation also allegedly uncovered a future family trip to the Bahamas. According to authorities, the woman used more than $9,000 worth of company American Express points to book the trip.
The woman was charged with four counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and access device fraud, all third-degree felonies.
She was arraigned following her surrender, and a magisterial district judge set an unsecured bail amount of $25,000. She was also ordered not to contact anyone at SMB.
The woman previously served on the Lower Merion Board of School Directors. A school district spokesperson confirmed that she submitted her resignation the day after turning herself in.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.