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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Macungie woman charged with stealing money from Sanctuary at Haafsville

A former treasurer for an Upper Macungie nonprofit animal rescue group has been charged with theft and receiving stolen property after allegedly stealing more than $11,000.

According to an affidavit of probable cause and criminal complaint obtained from District Judge Michael Faulkner’s office, Upper Macungie Police Detective Jason Wheeler stated around April 28, 2018, police received a complaint from Linda Green, president of The Sanctuary of Haafsville.

Wheeler states Green told him Susan J. Johnston, 55, of Macungie, was recently removed from her position as treasurer of the animal shelter, and during a review of the organization’s financial records it was determined $11,588.03 was apparently missing.

Wheeler further states during a review of the records, it was discovered a check had allegedly been written to Johnston in the amount of $5,900.49 and “Pet Doors” was written on the memo line.

According to the affidavit, the pet doors were not purchased, just a quote had been requested by The Sanctuary at Haafsville. `

As a result of a search warrant, police allege the check was deposited into Johnston’s personal bank account, Wheeler states in the affidavit.

Also discovered during the review was that Johnston allegedly made two additional unauthorized transactions.

The first was March 2, 2018, in the amount of $3,275.29, which was transferred to a Capital One credit card, and the second an unauthorized transaction April 9, 2018, in the amount of $2,412.25, which was transferred to a Chase credit card.

According to Lehigh County Criminal Court records, Johnston was arraigned Jan. 15 before District Judge Jake Hammond, South Whitehall.

He set her bail at an unsecured $20,000, which she posted.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled Feb. 19 before District Judge Michael Faulkner, Upper Macungie.