Youth club treasurer stole over $136,000 to pay for vacations, Eagles season tickets: DA
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. - A Delaware County woman has been charged after officials say she used stolen funds from a youth club to pay for an "array of personal expenses."
Kathleen Hammond, 54, is being accused in the theft of more than $136,000 from the Springfield Youth Club while serving as its treasurer.
Officials say Hammond used the stolen money to buy vacations, Billy Joel concert tickets, Amazon and grocery purchases, and even season tickets to the Eagles.
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A criminal complaint states that Hammond admitted to stealing the money, but claimed she was putting the money back.
Hammond was named the club's treasurer in 2018. She has since been terminated in connection to the theft allegations.
The Springfield Youth Club is a non-profit organization that teaches children how to play and compete in cheerleading and football.
"Unfortunately too often happens, these non-profit organizations, somebody who is a volunteer has access to funds that aren't theirs and misapproprioates them and commits a crime by stealing them," said Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County District Attorney.
The DA says SYC’s board noticed suspicious transactions in the club’s bank account and reported it to police.
"It's a non-profit really to help a wonderful experience with athletics so for other parents and board members it's really a breach of trust. I know they're feeling taken advantage of," said the DA.
Investigators say the 54-year old admitted to stealing the money and was trying to pay it back.
Records show she re-deposited $30,000 into the club's account, but the kids are still out over $100,000 which the DA says they are hoping to recoup from her while holding Hammond criminally responsible.