WEST PITTSTON — A former Exeter fire company treasurer who allegedly stole over $67,000 was in court Wednesday.
Stephanie Lynn McNeil, 34, and her lawyer, Peter Moses, waived her charges of felony theft and related charges to county court.
McNeil is accused of stealing $67,315 from the fire company between 2008 and 2014. In November 2014, she was voted out of office from the fire company.
According to a criminal complaint:
Police began an investigation when they were informed a $1,000 check for a chicken barbeque fundraiser bounced twice. Walter Kuharchik III wrote a personal check to cover the costs. His father, Walter Jr., who was voted in as the company treasurer in January 2015, told police the $3,000 fundraiser profits were never deposited into the bank.
Police allege McNeil would take money from the Exeter Hose Company bank account. Jennifer Grochal, who was interviewed by police, told officers McNeil developed a dependency to pain killers. McNeil told Grochal she had $100 to spend if she found someone who could sell her Vicodin or Percocet, and the money was obtained through hose company funds.
A search warrant and subsequent review on the fire company’s bank records found there were two bank cards issued for accounts regarding the fire companies; one card was issued to McNeil and the other to her husband, Thomas. Police found no criminal culpability with Thomas McNeil.
Preliminary findings indicate during 2012 through 2014, there were $59,659.91 total expenditures on Stephanie’s card, including $45,647.49 in bank withdrawals, $2,113 in bank fees, $7,496.85 in retail purchases and $4,402.57 in convenience store purchases.
She remains free on $25,000 unsecured bail.
Court documents indicate her next court appearance will be 10 a.m. April 6 before county Court of Common Pleas Judge David Lupas.
