A former treasurer of the Knights of Columbus in Delaware County is accused of stealing thousands from the non-profit organization.
Michael Twigg, 46, surrendered Friday to face charges that he forged checks to steal more than $30,000 during a five-year period, according to Delaware County prosecutors.
Twigg was treasurer of two different Knights chapters including 15 years with the Trinity Chapter and four with the Cardinal Dougherty Assembly.
Members told investigators that about 50 checks from two separate bank accounts had forged signatures from Twigg. Prosecutors say that checks required two signatures.
Over the summer Twigg allegedly admitted to investigators that he stole the money by writing checks from the Catholic organization to himself and depositing the money in his personal bank account.
“It is unfortunate when volunteers in religious and charitable organizations breach the trust instilled in them for their own selfish gain,” said District Attorney Jack Whelan in a press release. “Our Economic Crime Unit is dedicated to protecting all victims of theft and fraud, especially charitable organizations. I also want to applaud CID Detective Michele Deery for her exemplary work on the case.”
Twigg was arraigned on 50 forgery charges, two theft charges and on a receiving stolen property charge and bail was set at $50,000, according to court records.
