Diocesan Employee Accused of Theft, KCRG, November 5, 2009

Diocesan Employee Accused of Theft

KCRG
November 5, 2009

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/69283727.html

DUBUQUE (AP) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque is investigating allegations that an employee stole up to $60,000 intended for a school tuition program.

The money is tied to the church's scrip program, which involves gift cards that are redeemable at local retailers.

Court documents indicate that Jane Vaughn, who managed the scrip program for St. Matthew Catholic School in Cedar Rapids, approached the parish priest and told him she believed there was about $60,000 missing from the program. The records indicate that the 57-year-old Vaughn also told the priest she had taken some of the gift cards for her personal use.

The diocese initiated an audit and placed Vaughn on paid leave. She later pleaded not guilty to first-degree theft and is scheduled for trial later this month.