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Former secretary charged with stealing $124,000 from township

CONNELLSVILLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A former Connellsville Township secretary is facing more than 260 criminal counts for allegedly stealing from the township.

Leah Brothers, 41, is accused of making fraudulent checks to herself, sending herself wire transfers and using the township credit card for personal purchases. Police say she stole nearly $124,000 dollars.

Brothers was placed on unpaid leave last year and is charged with fraud and receiving stolen property.

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Brothers was a secretary for the township for a decade and there weren't any problems until the fall of 2015, when township officials noticed some discrepancies. The township hired a forensic accountant last year, but Connellsville Township supervisor chairman Tom Cesario said they didn't realize how deep the problem was.

"We noticed the credit card statement had some irregularities and began to look deeper, and it snowballed from there," Cesario said.

Brothers is the second secretary charged with such crimes. Before her, Tammy Mader was found guilty in 2006 for stealing nearly $63,000 in township money.

Cesario said the township is making significant changes in the way they hire a treasurer and financial secretary. In addition, the township is having an accountant make a manual with protocols to follow.

Brothers' attorney said it is too early to comment on the case. Brothers waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.