Ex-treasurer of South Park BMX group charged with embezzling $120K
The former treasurer of the South Park BMX Track Association is accused of stealing more than $120,000 from the organization over the last six years — and then creating false bank account statements to cover it up.
Jennifer Meares, 45, of Baldwin Borough is charged with three counts of theft, receiving stolen property, access device fraud and misapplication of entrusted property.
Meares was arraigned on the charges on Tuesday and released on unsecured bond.
Meares’ attorney declined to comment.
According to the criminal complaint by a detective with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Meares served as the elected treasurer for the BMX group from 2018 until early 2025.
To be a member of the group, riders must pay $80 per year to USA BMX. In addition, they must pay a fee online to practice and race on the track at South Park.
In January, after a new board was elected, the members found discrepancies in the organization’s finances.
According to the complaint, at previous board meetings, Meares provided reports on the club’s finances, including displaying PNC Bank statements that showed a large account balance.
The newly elected president and treasurer expected a balance in the group’s bank account of at least $60,000. However, when they took over, they learned there was only $200 and contacted law enforcement.
According to the complaint, Meares wrote 28 checks to herself from 2018 through 2024. The checks, totaling $33,778.90, were deposited into her own bank account, the complaint said.
Investigators tallied the total amount stolen at $123,912.
The investigation showed that Meares, who had exclusive access to the club’s account — including its debit card — made multiple purchases from Amazon for jewelry, women’s clothing and footwear, according to the complaint.
Meares also used the money to pay her Capital One Credit card and make debit purchases at gas stations, hotels, Chewy.com and DoorDash, the complaint said.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for June 25 before District Judge Michael W. Thatcher.
Paula Reed Ward is a TribLive reporter covering federal and Allegheny County courts. She joined the Trib in 2020 after spending nearly 17 years at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where she was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team. She is the author of "Death by Cyanide." She can be reached at pward@triblive.com.
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