Woman admits stealing $17K from nonprofit

NORRISTOWN >> An East Greenville woman admitted she embezzled more than $17,000 from her former employer, Laurel House, the East Norriton agency that assists domestic violence victims, and is awaiting her fate from a judge.

Jennifer Boyer, 43, of the 400 block of Third Street, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court to a felony charge of theft by deception in connection with incidents that occurred in 2018 while she worked at Laurel House.

Judge Wendy G. Rothstein deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Boyer.

Boyer, who was permitted to remain free on bail pending sentencing, faces a possible maximum sentence of 3½-to-7-years in prison on the charge. However, state sentencing guidelines could allow for a lesser sentence.

Laurel House provides hotline and emergency shelter services as well as other supportive services for those in crisis due to domestic violence.

An investigation began on Nov. 5, 2018, when administrators of Laurel House contacted East Norriton police to report a possible

theft by Boyer.

The investigation determined Boyer took socks and gift cards that were donated to the organization and sold the items on eBay and used the profit for personal use instead of depositing it in Laurel House accounts.

“(Administrators) told me Boyer had not made any purchases of the socks in question or gotten permission

to sell socks,” alleged East Norriton Detective Michael Henricks.

Laurel House officials told authorities that Boyer previously had permission to sell items on eBay with the proceeds to be deposited into Laurel House’s accounts, however, that was a few years ago and Boyer had not had permission since that time, according to the arrest affidavit.

When Boyer was confronted by detectives about the allegations she confessed, court papers indicate.

“Boyer stated her family

was going through some financial difficulties and there were times she sold items belonging to Laurel House (gift cards, clothing, etc.) through her eBay account,” Henricks alleged. “Boyer said she had every intention of making Laurel House whole but was unable to.”

Detectives determined the loss related to the theft reached $17,778, according to the arrest affidavit.

Assistant District Attorney Christopher Evan Daniels is prosecuting the case. Defense lawyer Michael Furey represents Boyer.