Susan J. Johnston, 56, of Macungie will go to trial for allegedly stealing money from an animal rescue organization after waiving her preliminary hearing during an appearance on March 5 before District Judge Michael Faulkner, Upper Macungie.

Just before the hearing, Johnston and her attorney, Kathryn Elizabeth Roberts of Allentown, stepped outside the building to speak with Upper Macungie Detective Justin Wheeler, the arresting officer according to the court criminal docket.

Johnston is charged with allegedly stealing more than $11,500 from The Sanctuary at Haafsville animal shelter, Breinigsville.

Around 1 p.m. after several minutes of discussion, all parties entered the courtroom and Roberts told Faulkner her client would waive her preliminary hearing.

Faulkner filed the waiver and told Johnston her case would be sent to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

She faces one count each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

In an affidavit of probable cause and criminal complaint obtained from Faulkner’s office, Wheeler stated Linda Green, president of The Sanctuary at Haafsville, told police around April 28, 2018, that $11,588.03 was missing from the organization’s financial records.

A review of the records uncovered a check allegedly written to Johnston, Sanctuary’s former treasurer, for $5,900.49 for pet doors.

The doors, however, were not purchase.

The amount was for a quote requested by The Sanctuary, according to the affidavit.

Wheeler stated Johnston allegedly deposited the check into her personal bank account.

Additionally, the financial review also uncovered two unauthorized credit card transfers.

The first was on March 2, 2018, for $3,275.29 to a Capital One card. The second was on April 9, 2018, for $2,412.25 transferred to a Chase card.

Both transactions were allegedly made by Johnston.

She was arrested on Jan. 15 by Upper Macungie Township police.

Johnston’s formal arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 16 before Lehigh County Common Court of Pleas Judge Maria L. Dantos in the county courthouse, Allentown.

Johnston posted $20,000 unsecured bail after her January preliminary arraignment.