PTA Treasurer Accused of Stealing $10,000 from Her Own Organization
Wharton police are accusing a former PTA treasurer of theft saying she stole at least $10,000 over the period of several years from the organization. According to a news report in the Daily Record, 36-year-old Marlene Bencel not only stole the money but also falsified the organization’s financial records to camouflage the theft.
Bencel served as the group’s treasurer since 2001, officials said. According to police detectives, Bencel created a fake bank statement and handed it to other members of the PTA during an audit. Group leaders are now looking at documents over the years to determine how much money has been taken and when, the newspaper reported.
The detective also told the newspaper that Bencel said during an interview that she had money problems and said she could not explain the discrepancy in the accounting. She even told police that all she tried to do was to help the organization. Bencel, the mother of two school-age children was released on her own reconnaissance and fully cooperated with the investigation, officials said.
Being charged with theft or embezzlement is an embarrassing situation for anyone. It’s especially true when you happen to be an upstanding citizen and have consistently demonstrated good behavior and good intentions. A good criminal defense attorney is crucial to ensure that you have a fair chance to fight the charges. Remember, you are entitled to your day in court and you deserve to be heard.
A theft charge may sound petty and pleading guilty may seem like a good option at a time when you’re hoping it just goes away. But such a charge never goes away. It will resurface over and over again when you apply for licensing or a job, when someone runs a background check on you. So if you believe you are innocent, the first thing on your list should be to hire a competent, experienced defense attorney who can get you acquitted.
At Lependorf & Silverstein, we will listen to your side of the story and conduct a thorough and independent investigation, which will help detect weaknesses in the case the prosecution tries to build against you. Don’t let an unfair accusation ruin your life. If you or a loved one has been charged with theft in the state of New Jersey, call us immediately for a free consultation. We will walk you through the process and get the best possible results for you.
