(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine praised the efforts of the Lancaster Police Department and the Fairfield County Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with his office's Charitable Law Section, in the arrest on Oct. 3 of Debbie Snyder in relation to a theft of bingo ticket proceeds from Knights of Columbus #1016 in Lancaster.
"This shows how working together with local officials can help ensure that not only donors but charitable groups themselves are protected," said Attorney General DeWine. "We are grateful for the assistance of the Lancaster police and county prosecutor."
Snyder, 48, of Lancaster, was arrested and charged with a fourth-degree felony in the theft of Type 3, or instant, bingo ticket proceeds. Snyder confessed to the theft prior to her arrest. The missing amount is estimated at $47,000 and the theft occurred between 2010 and 2012.
After a March 2012 audit, the missing funds were discovered and the Knights reported it to Lancaster authorities and the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
Snyder had worked for the Knights but left employment there at the beginning of 2012.
Lancaster Police Chief Dave Bailey noted the excellent work by LPD Detective Bryan Underwood and Investigator Dave Kessler of the Fairfield County Prosecutor's Office: "I appreciate the effort and skill shown by these officers to protect this charitable organization and to bring this offender to justice."
Fairfield County Prosecutor Gregg Marx will be prosecuting the case. Marx praised "the great work of investigators Kessler and Underwood who work very well together. They tirelessly endeavor to protect our community and their efforts are greatly appreciated."
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