By Patrick Cloonan

Published: Friday, March 15, 2013, 4:36 a.m.
Updated: Friday, March 15, 2013

The treasurer of the East Allegheny Youth Football Association faces charges of stealing more than $5,000 from that organization.

A spokesman for Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said April L. Simko, 33, of East McKeesport, surrendered Wednesday and was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and access device fraud.

In a criminal complaint, a detective for Zappala's department said East McKeesport police were contacted in November about alleged thefts using automated teller machines and debit transactions out of the association's PNC Bank checking account.

Detective Kevin P. Flanigan said Officer Jamie Dinkfelt was told about the alleged thefts by association president William Smith.

“Smith stated that he noticed that money was missing from the account when he contacted Big's Sanitation about removing garbage ... and they told him the bill had not been paid,” the complaint said. “Also, a check for $700 for catering for an upcoming banquet (did) not clear.”

Smith told investigators he went to the bank and found that the account had been tapped for “miscellaneous transactions that included Redbox movie purchases totaling $2.56, a McDonald's transaction for $6.72 and a Doubletree Hotel purchase in Georgia.”

Based on a search warrant, investigators found 46 unauthorized withdrawals totaling approximately $5,740, including $141.49 in Redbox purchases.

The complaint said Smith also provided a text from Simko, stating that she “got caught up in a jam and handled it the wrong way.” She promised, “I am going to pay back every penny.”

Simko was released on her own recognizance pending a Thursday 1 p.m. hearing before Magisterial District Judge Robert L. Barner in North Versailles Township.

Patrick Cloonan is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1967, or pcloonan@tribweb.com.

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