Defense attorney hopes to resolve theft case involving Jeannette school director
The attorney for a Jeannette City school director accused of taking thousands from the district’s band parents association said Thursday she will continue to discuss repayment options with prosecutors.
Patricia Elliott-Rentler said Karen Ann Welshons, 56, waived her right to a preliminary hearing without a plea agreement with prosecutors.
“Ms. Welshons concedes that this happened on her watch,” Elliott said.
Welshons was arrested earlier this month on two theft counts filed by Westmoreland County detectives. She previously was the president of the band parents association and didn’t turn in money for fundraisers she either participated in or planned, according to court papers.
The association’s treasurer identified $6,386.37 was missing, police said. Welshons repaid the organization in 2018 and 2019, but $2,486.27 remains outstanding.
Four victims appeared in court for Welshons’ scheduled preliminary hearing Thursday.
“I will continue to try to resolve this financially,” Elliott-Rentler said.
Welshons remains free on $5,000 unsecured bond. She is scheduled for formal arraignment July 31. Her school board term expires in December.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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