A woman facing theft and forgery charges in connection with money missing from the Cullman Cyclones Youth Football Association is being represented by a Cullman law firm

The arrest by Cullman Police of Karen Cowart Blackwood, 41, of Cullman, on charges of first-degree theft, third-degree forgery, and unauthorized use of a debit card was announced Thursday.

Sgt. Todd Chiaranda, financial crimes investigator for the Cullman Police Department, said the case involves $14,000 that belonged to youth football association. He said the investigation tracked a period from January through June while Blackwood was serving as president of the organization.

The law firm O’Neal & Kilgo of Cullman released the following statement Friday:

:The law firm of O’Neal & Kilgo has been retained to represent Ms. Karen Blackwood on the pending criminal charges connected with the Cullman Cyclones organization. Ms. Blackwood has fully cooperated with the authorities during this investigation. When our firm learned that there was a warrant for Ms. Blackwood’s arrest, we made immediate arrangements for her surrender at the Cullman County Detention Center. We at the law firm of O’Neal & Kilgo are proud members and supporters of the Cullman community. We understand the negative impact that this case has had on Cullman and we look forward to our client’s day in court so that this matter can be brought to a resolution.”

Blackwood was arrested on July 1 after turning herself in at the Cullman County Detention Center on the charges. She was released on an $18,000.00 property bond. 

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.