FULTON, NY - A church
congregate who knows the woman accused of stealing over $100,000 from a Fulton Church
is shocked by the accusations.
Police say 54-year-old Emma
Maxwell stole the money as she worked as the treasurer at the Breakabeen-North
Blenheim Presbyterian Church. The church noticed the money missed in November
and reported it to the Sheriff's Office.
One woman, who did not want to
be named, says she knew Maxwell since she was a child and taught her bible
class. She says she can't believe how a lifelong member of her church and
trusted member of the community could have broken their trust.
The Schoharie County Law Enforcement believes Maxwell
escaped detection for four years. They believe she drew on donations and
accounts set up from living and dead congregants at a bank in Middleburgh.
The theft has hurt the church's mission programs, children's camp scholarships,
and repairs the church needs to make.
The county DA says Maxwell could face several years in prison and be forced to
pay restitution if she's found guilty. The DA says small social, sports and
religious groups can safeguard themselves from these types of crimes by making
sure they never have just one person working on the books.
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