A leader of the Ohio Girl Scout troop was indicted for her alleged role in pocketing money on cookie sales and event fees.
The news of the prosecution comes straight from the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who alleged that Pataskala’s Jill Gauthier deserved an “adult-sized break” for his alleged role in the theft.
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Gauthier, 49, reportedly transferred $ 12,500 to his personal bank accounts over a period of about five years, according to an investigation conducted by the Yost Charity Section and the Pataskala Police Department.
The money would have been collected from parents of Scout troop members.
Investigators were warned of the potential embezzlement when parents expressed their concern to law enforcement officials. The press release alleges that Gauthier used the funds pocketed for personal purchases.
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“She was literally caught with her hand in the cookie jar,” said Yost in a public statement. “How many boxes of Mints Thin will your troop need to sell to make up for their betrayal?”
Court records from Licking County Common Pleas show that Gauthier was charged with theft and a fourth-degree crime on Thursday, February 11. An initial bail hearing took place on Tuesday, March 2, and a grand jury from Licking County “recently charged” Gauthier on both charges.
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Gauthier’s indictment is set for May.
Ohio Girl Scout troop leader Jill Gauthier was indicted for her alleged role in pocketing money on cookie sales and event fees, Attorney General Dave Yost said. (iStock)
Meanwhile, US Girl Scouts told Fox News the organization’s high standards for their troop leaders.
“U.S. Girl Scouts and our Girl Scout Councils expect the highest standards of conduct from our volunteers, according to our mission, our values and our Girl Scout promises and laws,” wrote a spokeswoman for the US Girl Scouts by e- mail. “Our focus now is to help our girls move forward with their cookie season and continue their Girl Scout journey by developing leadership skills that will give them courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place.”
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Scout membership fees start at $ 25, according to a FAQ section of their website. Additional program fees may be charged depending on the activities for which a girl scout enrolls.
The not-for-profit youth organization’s famous biscuit program allows 100% of the net revenue collected to fall within the local councils and troops, who have the option of using the money earned for projects and charities.