Southington Church Treasurer Embezzled Nearly $300,000, Police Say

FROM WWW.COURANT.COM

A local woman who was the treasurer at the Plantsville Congregational United Church of Christ was charged Monday with embezzling almost $300,000 from the church over a five-year period, police said Wednesday.

Kelly Saucier, 45, of 48 Blossom Way, turned herself in at police headquarters around 5:30 p.m. Monday after learning of a warrant for her arrest. She was booked on one charge of first-degree larceny through embezzlement and released after posting $100,000 bail.

Police said the arrest stems from a nearly eight-month investigation into transactions Saucier made while treasurer of the church from August 2005 to December 2010. Saucier, who had access to all the church's accounts, pilfered $293,385.15, police said.

"We were contacted by church officials that said that they had discovered a theft had occurred at the church," Sgt. Lowell DePalma told Fox CT. "There were multiple thefts that occurred, actually over 100 during this time period."

DePalma said the investigation into the alleged thefts started in January after church officials reported the alleged thefts following a discussion with Saucier.

Saucier was still listed as treasurer on the church's website Tuesday under the Board and Committee Members section for 2010 to 2011. Church officials could not be reached for comment.

Saucier is expected to appear for arraignment at Bristol Superior Court on Aug. 29.