Woman Admits To Stealing From Charity For Disabled Children

A Mentor-on-the-Lake woman admitted that she tried to steal from her employer, Achievement Centers for Children, a charity that assists children with disabilities, which is headquartered in Highland Hills.

Jennifer Summers, 39, pleaded guilty to a trio of felonies Monday morning in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas -- attempted grand theft, attempted unauthorized use of property and attempted communications fraud.

Judge Eileen Gallagher will sentence Summers on August 21.

Summers from her home on Fern Drive by Highland Hills and Mentor-on-the-Lake Police.

The arrest capped a 3-month investigation, Highland Hills Police Chief Antonio Stitt said.

Summers worked at Achievement Centers for Children for about two years until she resigned in November 2011. She was its human resources manager and had temporary charge of payroll functions, said the charity's CEO Patricia Nobili.

The investigation of Summers began when Achievement Centers discovered financial irregularities in their payroll while Summers was in charge of it. She is thought to have taken about $18,000 over several months, Nobili said.

Summers has since paid $20,067.10 in restitution.

When she is sentenced, the judge could give Summers probation or send her to prison for up to three years.