Treasurer stole over $60,000 from youth football association

The treasurer of the South Fayette Township Youth Football Association, Jaella Richard, has been charged with stealing more than $60,000 from the organization. Richard, 41, from Bridgeville, had access to the association's checking account, allowing her to take $64,742.75 in funds, according to a criminal complaint. Richard joined the football association's bank account at the start of 2021 and became treasurer in 2022. During a meeting on June 2, she reported a bank balance of $87,000, but actual records showed only $68,225.29. Concerns were raised by association President Ryan Kaczur, who reported discrepancies to the police on October 28. Kaczur noted that Richard had provided a financial spreadsheet in June but never followed up with updates, as promised. After reviewing the bank statement, he discovered only $745.52 in the account instead of over $60,000. Richard allegedly used the stolen money for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, food, and entertainment. Investigators found multiple payments to companies like Amazon and Apple made through the association's accounts. Some of these funds were quickly transferred to a different bank account tied to Richard in Florida. When questioned by Kaczur, Richard claimed she intended to repay the funds. However, she had also changed the name of the association's PayPal account to her own before the inquiry. Richard faces multiple charges, including theft and misappropriation of entrusted property.