REDLANDS – Police arrested a girl scout leader who is suspected of embezzling $5,000 from a Moreno Valley Girl Scout troop.
Redlands police served search warrant at the Menifee home of Michelle Marie Villa, 26, who was arrested on Jan. 23. Alleging that she purchased a computer and printer, groceries, athletic gear and various craft supplies with the troop’s debit card, a news release said she purchased the items between July 2012 and July 2013. Villa, who is also known as Michelle Sanchez, is expected to appear in court sometime this week, according to officials.
Police spokesman Carl Baker said detectives recovered evidence of the crime at her home on the 29000 block of Fenwick Circle in Menifee, which is located in neighboring Riverside County. The crime was reported in December.
Villa had been in charge of her troop for about one year. There were about seven girls in her troop. The Council reports that every leader undergoes a thorough background check. There are over 1,000 troops, some 4,000 adult volunteers and 11,500 girls that are part of the Girl Scouts.
The Girl Scouts of the San Gorgonio Council, which is headquartered in Redlands, received reports of the possible crime. Saying it “investigates all reports of misconduct by its leaders,” the Council reported, “if the findings warrant it and its believed a crime has been committed, the Council reports the alleged crime to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and cooperates fully with their investigation.” The Council, which says it closely monitors the finances of its thousand troops, has replaced the missing funds, “and would do so in every instance of theft,” according to a release. “Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council will never allow girls to suffer a financial loss due to a crime.”
Villa was released on a $50,000 bond.
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ABC7: Menifee Girl Scout leader accused of embezzling $5,000 from troop
