The former treasurer of a local youth football and cheerleading association has been sentenced to community control sanctions and restitution after pleading guilty to embezzling thousands of dollars from the organization.
Katie Krabill, 36, of West Liberty, was sentenced July 12 in Champaign County Common Pleas Court to three years of community control on a fourth-degree felony count of grand theft. According to court documents, Krabill unlawfully took over $11,000 from the West Liberty-Salem Little Tiger Football and Cheer Association between January 2021 and November 2022.
She pleaded guilty to the charge June 29. Krabill has already repaid over $10,000 to the organization, and must repay an additional $1,200 as part of her restitution. “The defendant made a series of unauthorized money transfers, and food and retail transactions for personal use,” according to court documents.
During the initial law enforcement investigation, Krabill initially tried to explain the transfers, as “mistakes” she made while handling her duties as treasurer. She has since acknowledged her guilt, and expressed genuine remorse, the court has found.
Krabill told the court that she “stole money from the account,” because it was, “easily accessible to her.” Part of her sentencing order stipulates she may no longer serve on the board or in any leadership capacity for any booster organizations.
She must also perform 210 hours of community service over the course of her probation, and must also undergo mental health and depression counseling.
The defendant is a first-time offender, and her likelihood to reoffend is low, the court reasoned.