Area Woman Accused of Stealing $81K From Church

A Hatfield Township woman has been arrested and charged with allegedly stealing $81,453.20 from the coffers of Emmanuel Evangelical Congregational Church during her role as treasurer of the board.

Stephanie Kligge is charged with multiple counts of theft, receiving stolen property and misapplication of entrusted property, announced Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman. 

Kligge was treasurer from July 2012 through June 30, 2013. 

Ferman said Kligge, as treasurer, allegedly made 64 bank withdrawals from the church's account totaling $61,453.20 for her own personal use and without authorization, police said.

Kligge then allegedly stole $20,000 from the church's bank account to buy gift cards that she kept for her own personal use rather than provide them to the church's fundraising program, Ferman said.

In order to conceal her alleged crimes, Kligge allegedly provided the church with false monthly treasurer reports that showed balances of more than $100,000, Ferman said. In reality, Kligge allegedly drained the account, leaving $36.11.

This case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Abidiwan-Lupo.

The defendant was arrested Thursday morning and arraigned by District Judge Kenneth E. Deatelhauser, who set bail at $25,000 cash, Ferman said. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Deatelhauser on December 24 at 9 a.m.

Emmanuel Evangelical Congregational Church is located at 100 S. Main St. in Hatfield Borough.