54-year-old Emma Maxwell was arrested last week, on charges of stealing over $100,000 from the Breakabeen/North Blenheim Presbyterian Church, where she was the treasurer. Several news outlets report that Maxwell turned herself in.
Authorities on Thursday announced the arrest of Emma Maxwell, 54, of Fulton on at least one count of second-degree grand larceny.
But details about how the theft occurred and over what period of time were not immediately available. Officials said they planned to hold a press conference on the arrest Monday.
ABC News 10 spoke with a neighbor:
"I've known her 32 years having lived in this community, her family has lived here forever and I'm very saddened," said Joyce Hodder, who lives a few hundred yards from the church. "It's disheartening, having a tough time functioning in this community as it is then after the devastation of Irene it's even a greater sadness."
The church noticed the missing money and reported it to sheriff's in November.
YNN has a video, which includes a quote from a Schoharie County sheriff's deputy:
"She was using the money to pay some medical bills, she went to some small trips helped pay for her wedding, some cars and stuff," said Deputy Dan Smith, Schoharie County Sheriff's Office.
WNYT 13 reports that the congregation is turning the other cheek:
Even after the alleged theft, Kenall said they would forgive Maxwell and welcome her back.
"She was very repentant and we were very forgiving. We are still. And we're trying to move on," the pastor said.
