CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced that theft charges have been filed against a former employee of Goshen Township. Shaw identified the defendant as Lisa Baumgartner, 48, of Goshen Road, Shawville.
On Oct. 19, 2011, Trooper David Patrick of the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Barracks, filed a criminal complaint, charging Baumgartner with forgery, F3, 4 Counts; theft by deception, M1, 15 Counts; receiving stolen property, M1, 15 Counts; access device fraud, M1, 21 Counts; theft by deception, M2, 15 Counts; receiving stolen property, M2, 15 Counts; access device fraud, M2, 69 Counts; theft by deception, M3, 71 Counts; and receiving stolen property, M3, 71 Counts.
An affidavit of probable cause filed with the complaint provides that in March 2011, the Pennsylvania State Police began an investigation into the theft of funds from Goshen Township. Upon further investigation, it was found that Baumgartner, while an employee of Goshen Township, had created a bank account without the permission or knowledge of the township supervisors, and had fraudulently transferred funds into the account for her own personal use. It was also found that Baumgartner had forged the names of the township supervisors on the application for the bank account. The total amount that was embezzled through the bank account was approximately $4,776.65.
The investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police also resulted in a finding that Baumgartner has been issuing checks to herself without the knowledge or authorization of the township supervisors. Additionally, it was discovered that Baumgartner had failed to deposit money that was received by Goshen Township and had made unauthorized purchases using township funds. The total amount that was stolen or embezzled was approximately $7,075.78.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14.
Shaw stated that he was pleased with the efforts made by the Pennsylvania State Police to investigate this matter. Shaw emphasized that stealing from municipal governments is completely unacceptable and every effort will be made to identify and prosecute those who engage in this type of behavior.
Anyone with knowledge of fugitive’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at (800)-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”