Associated Press Published

Ex-Youth Choir Exec in West Virginia Admits to Embezzlement

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A West Virginia woman has admitted to stealing about $98,000 from a youth choir organization.

News outlets report 51-year-old Jacqueline Holly Portillo of Hurricane pleaded guilty Monday to four felony embezzlement counts.

Kanawha County prosecutors say Portillo stole from the Appalachian Children’s Chorus from March 2010 through August 2017 through the use of business credit cards and bank accounts and concealed it by submitting false bank statements to accountants. Portillo is the nonprofit group’s former executive director.

Prosecutors say Portillo used the funds for personal travel and purchases for herself and family members, and for veterinary treatment and training for her dogs.

Portillo faces up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for July 30.