SHARE

Investigation boosts alleged embezzlement total against Ridgewood YMCA bookkeeper above $75,000

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: An investigation has boosted the total that a former bookkeeper for the Ridgewood YMCA is accused of embezzling from the agency to more than $75,000, CLIFFVIEW PILOT has learned.

Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot File Photo

Catherine Easer, 55, of Mahwah, was released on a summons last April after village police said she took $40,000.

The investigation continued, culminating in an indictment returned by a grand jury in Hackensack today that authorities said more than doubles that total.

The indictment accuses Easer of creating bogus credit cards from Home Depot, Staples and a local Exxon station that she used for herself.

The crimes continued for more than 5½ years, with purchases in Glen Rock, Mahwah, Oakland, Paramus, Ramsey, Riverdale, Upper Saddle River and Ridgewood, it says.

The indictment also alleges that Easer “did purposely or knowingly and without authorization, or in excess of authorization, access or attempt to access any data, database, computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network for the purpose of executing a scheme to defraud or to obtain services, property, personal identifying information, or money” from the Y.

The investigation began locally when Ridgewood Y officials complained to police of “account dicrepancies and possible theft,” then moved to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, which presented its findings to the grand jury.

to follow Daily Voice Northern Highlands and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE