LE††UCE PREY
Former St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church bookkeeper Rachelle Barb pleaded guilty to an aggravated theft charge on Tuesday. She admitted to taking $253,756.68 from the parish where she worked.
The missing funds were discovered in 2019 during a regular audit.
Assistant Prosecutor Chuck Morrow said that over a period of almost five years, Barb electronically transferred money from the church’s account to her own bank account for personal use. He said many of her withdrawals were at a local racino.
The thief faces 18 months in prison when sentenced.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors said they’d support the recommendation of the adult probation department upon completion of their presentence investigation. She agrees to pay back the more than $253,000.
Newton Falls is a short drive NW of Youngstown.
There’s been no word as to her marital status.
