Former Board Member Stole Thousands From South Jersey Cheerleading Squad: Police

A local cheerleading squad is working hard to raise money after an executive board member with the team allegedly stole thousands from the organization and lied about a purse snatching to conceal her theft.

Mount Laurel police say 44-year-old township resident Janene Hamilton reported her purse was stolen last month in a restaurant parking lot.

Hamilton claimed the purse contained $4,900 in cash belonging to the New Jersey Force Cheer Association, where she served as a board member. But investigators say Hamilton stole more than $9,000 from the organization between December 2013 and last month.

"We're devastated and betrayed and concerned about getting our season," said Sherie Shuster, the head coach and commissioner of the association.

Michelle Nederfield, who just took over as the association's treasurer, says she's planning several fundraisers.

"We're heartbroken and betrayed but at this point I want to push forward," Nederfield said.

A fundraiser took place Monday night at Rita's Water Ice in Evesham Township.

"We're going to do things a little differently," Nederfield said. "I'm going to have open books. We're going to show people what's coming in and what's going out."

The members of the squad tell NBC10 they're doing their best to deal with the situation.

"We're ready to handle this and we all know that we are," said Devon Guyer, a second year cheerleader. "We're all capable of understanding that mistakes happen and we're ready to move forward."

Hamilton is charged with theft and filing a false police report. Authorities say she maintains the purse snatching occurred, but said she inflated the amount stolen to conceal the thefts.