BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — A former Middlesex Township, Butler County school secretary was arraigned on charges of stealing more than $250,000 from the school Thursday.
Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz reported that Lynn Tomlinson was the secretary at Holy Sepulcher School.
State troopers said she stole money from student tuition.
Tomlinson told police she was the sole person in charge of collection and keeping track of the money and that she "got carried away spending money on clothes and jewelry."
In a letter to parishioners and school parents sent Thursday, Father John Gizler, pastor of Holy Sepulcher, stated that "during a routine follow up on what appeared to be an unpaid tuition bill, our parish business manager discovered the first sign of possible theft from the school. With the assistance of diocesan auditors, we undertook a thorough financial investigation."
Gizler said Tomlinson admitted to embezzling cash and diversion in scrip account charges and tuition payments on May 14, 2012.
"While we most assuredly extend forgiveness, we all know that justice must be served as well," Gizler said.
"I've known her for years, and when I heard this, I just couldn't believe it. I was in shock. That's a lot of money," said a woman who knows Tomlinson.