SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A Taylorville woman has been ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution after being convicted of wire fraud, according to the Department of Justice.
The DOJ said Lori Zeitler, 65, worked at the Christian County YMCA for 32 years in various roles, including as bookkeeper. This week, she was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution after being convicted of five counts of wire fraud.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Zeitler stole at least $292,336.29 and was responsible for $600,000 in loss.
The theft was discovered when the YMCA switched to an internet-based accounting software.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that in addition to the money Zeitler took from the YMCA, she broke the trust between the organization and the community.
“The impact of the defendant’s deception is wide reaching, as the money she stole deprived the Christian County YMCA of funds that should have gone towards needed facility improvements and to support programs for members,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore. “The restitution order is a just result that will help the YMCA to continue their mission in serving the community.”
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