Cheer group treasurer pleads not guilty to theft
The treasurer of a Warren Township cheerleading group accused of stealing $30,000 from the organization pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Lake County circuit court.
Mary Lee Puccio, 46, will face up to seven years in prison if convicted of felony theft, but incareration is not mandatory.
Assistant State’s Attorney Christen Bishop said Puccio was treasurer of the Warren Township Cheer and Pom Program. It is a nonprofit feeder system for area schools with children in first through eighth grades.
Bishop said Puccio, of 1421 W. Lawn Ave., Warren Township, cashed about 35 checks from the organization’s accounts between 2003 and early last year.
The missing funds were discovered through an audit. Police said Puccio used the money to pay personal living expenses.
Circuit Judge John Phillips scheduled a trial for May 21 and ordered Puccio to appear in court May 3.
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