A woman was sentenced Friday to five years on probation for stealing more than $21,000 from a New Kensington church while she served as its treasurer, according to a sentencing order.
Cheryl M. Garnett, 75, of East Deer, pleaded guilty to a theft charge, avoiding a trial. Prosecutors dismissed a charge of receiving stolen property.
Garnett was arrested last year after city police said she took the money from Vermont Baptist Church. Church officials provided authorities with bank statements that showed numerous checks written out to “cash” and ATM withdrawals dating to 2018, according to court papers.
Police said the checks were signed by Garnett and she was the only one who had access to the bank card.
She was ordered to pay $21,471 in restitution to the church. It was unclear Monday if she had made any payments.
Her probation will be terminated after restitution is paid in full, according to the sentencing order. When reached by phone, Garnett said “everything’s taken care of and I have no comment.”
It was unclear if the church was still in operation. No one could be reached.
