A church book keeper in Juniata County is facing charges for embezzling $250,000.
Mary Zangrilli, 59, took approximately $250,000 from St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Mifflintown. Officials say she took the money sometime between December 2005 and November 2012.
Zangrilli served as a book keeper for the parish.
An investigating into Zangrilli started in November 2012 after Father William Weary, Pastor of the Parish, noticed problems in the parish's checking account. When his suspicions were confirmed, Father Weary notified the Diocese of Harrisburg who launched a more complete audit.
Zangrilli was charged with Theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds.
The District Attorney said Zangrilli faces a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison and a maximum fine of $45,000.
The money stolen was supposed to be set aside each week by the Parish to assist charities and the needy.
Insurance by the Parish will cover most of the costs of embezzled funds and a portion of the internal investigation. But the church will seek restitution of the funds.
Mary Zangrilli, 59, took approximately $250,000 from St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Mifflintown. Officials say she took the money sometime between December 2005 and November 2012.
Zangrilli served as a book keeper for the parish.
An investigating into Zangrilli started in November 2012 after Father William Weary, Pastor of the Parish, noticed problems in the parish's checking account. When his suspicions were confirmed, Father Weary notified the Diocese of Harrisburg who launched a more complete audit.
Zangrilli was charged with Theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds.
The District Attorney said Zangrilli faces a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison and a maximum fine of $45,000.
The money stolen was supposed to be set aside each week by the Parish to assist charities and the needy.
Insurance by the Parish will cover most of the costs of embezzled funds and a portion of the internal investigation. But the church will seek restitution of the funds.