Churchville Rec Council ex-treasurer sentenced after theft of over $100,000
The former treasurer of the Churchville Recreation Council was sentenced to six months at the Harford County Detention Center after investigators say she stole more than $100,000 in recreation funds.
Holly Keith’s theft of funds from the council, where she had served as treasurer since 2014, was uncovered by a 2022 audit conducted by the council’s board of directors, according to the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The audit showed “significant discrepancies” in the recreation council’s accounts. When suspicion grew that Keith may have misappropriated the funds, the matter was reported to the Harford County Sheriff’s Department, according to the state’s attorney’s office.
Early in the investigation, officials say Keith admitted that she began stealing funds in 2020 and estimated that she stole as much as $55,000, according to the news release.
But investigators said they found that Keith had been stealing funds since 2017 and pocketed just over $106,000.
According to officials, prosecutors and Keith’s defense team agreed that she would plead guilty to a theft scheme over $100,000 After Keith paid $74,000 in restitution, officials say, Keith was sentenced to 20 years in jail with all but six months suspended.
“Being placed in a position of trust and then violating that trust is a crime that we take very seriously in Harford County,” said Harford State’s Attorney Alison Healy. “Recreation councils exist to serve the children of our community and stealing anything from our children, let alone over $100,000, will not be tolerated.”
After she serves her sentence, the Harford County State’s Attorney said Keith will begin five years of probation. During that time, she will be required to repay the remaining $32,435.47 of what she stole. Keith must also perform 100 hours of community service and submit to a mental health evaluation.