Cullman woman charged with stealing from youth football association
An investigation has led to charges of theft and forgery against the president of a Cullman youth football association.
Karen Cowart Blackwood, 41, of Cullman, has been charged with theft of property, first degree, forgery, third degree, and unauthorized use of a debit card.
Evidence gathered in the investigation indicates Blackwood allegedly embezzled more than $14,000 from the Cullman Cyclones Youth Football Association between January and June, Sgt. Todd Chiaranda, financial crimes investigator for the Cullman Police Department, said.
“In June of this year I launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from the Cullman Cyclones Youth Football Association in reference to missing monies,” Chiaranda said. “The investigation led to the arrest of the association’s president.”
Based on the evidence, the District Attorney’s office issued a warrant for the arrest of Blackwood. She 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.
“Employee theft is very common, especially among non-profits,” Chiaranda said. “The most effective way to combat internal theft is prevention. Never allow one member of the business or organization to possess complete control over finances. Introduce a system of checks and balances that extends the responsibility to several other persons.”
Chiaranda said record keeping is vital in prevention of theft or embezzlement.
“Not every business or organization can afford to retain the services of an accounting firm. However, a simple but detailed transaction record keeping practice combined with a separation of responsibilities provides a strong deterrent against theft and could save your business from taking a large financial loss,” he said.
The penalty, if convicted, could carry a sentence of two to 20 years in prison.