Karen Hunt, 48, the business manager for Aquilla of Delaware, has been charged with felony theft and falsifying business records.
Police say a worker from Aquilla of Delaware came to a state police station to report a theft on April 6th.
That worker told troopers that a recent audit showed a long-standing series of internal thefts. Investigators say Hunt intercepted payments meant for the business and deposited the money into her own bank account.
Further investigation revealed a loss of $296,000 over a five year period.
Hunt surrendered to authorities on Monday and was released on a $1,600 unsecured bond.
Aquilla of Delaware provides substance abuse treatment services for children, adolescents and their families.
Dr. Mandell Much, Clinical Director at Aquila, tells Action News the loss was not devastating but it did have a substantial impact.
In Jan of 2009 they laid off 10% of the work force, a total of three employees, likely due to this loss of funds. That meant they could not offer treatment to as many clients.
They also suspended salary increases in 2009 as a direct result of the loss of funds.
