Lower Merion school board member charged in $50K theft from former employer
Jennifer Rivera is charged with four counts of theft by deception, as well as receiving stolen property and access device fraud.
LOWER MERION TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A member of the Lower Merion school board is facing felony theft charges after authorities allege she stole more than $50,000 from her former employer.
Jennifer Rivera, 41, is charged with four counts of theft by deception, as well as receiving stolen property and access device fraud.
Police said the investigation began in June after officials at SMB, a law firm marketing agency, reported financial irregularities.
According to investigators, the company's CEO and senior finance director said an internal review revealed that Rivera allegedly used a company-issued credit card for personal expenses dating back to September 2024.
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Police allege Rivera charged $1,339 for videography and photography services related to a bar mitzvah, spent more than $25,000 on a vacation for family and friends, and used the company's Amazon account to purchase $25,596.68 worth of clothing, bathroom accessories and other personal items.
Authorities said the alleged thefts totaled $50,243.31.
Investigators also allege Rivera used company American Express rewards points, valued at more than $9,000, to book a future family trip to the Bahamas.
Rivera surrendered to Lower Merion police on Aug. 24.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2.
