Paoli Woman Charged With $579K Theft From Employer: Police

NORRISTOWN — A 36-year-old Paoli woman was arrested on charges of embezzling $579,000 from a non-profit school and using the money for vacations to London, New York and Florida and medical expenses, according to police.

Katherine Paprocka is free on $99,000 bail after being arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Marc A. Alfarano in Norristown on charges of theft, unlawful use of a computer and related charges.

Paprocka is accused of embezzling the money from Penn Christian Academy, East Norriton where she worked as an administratorof the nobn-profit from July 2020 to January 2021.

Paprocka's attorney, Martin P. Mulaney of Skippack Township, said Paprocka maintains her innocence and looks forward to addressing the allegations at trial.

"Katie denies stealing any money from Penn Christian Academy," Mulaney said. "Katie looks forward to telling her side of the story."

According to a police complaint:

• East Norriton police received a complaint from a donor about payments to a platform and small business lenders do not qualify for traditional loans that were signed by Paprocka, executive director and owner of Penn Christian Academy.
• The investigation showed $62,974 was paid to the suspect’s American Express card, when Paprocka notified the school board of $12,000 in expenses.
• A subsequent investigation launched by East Norriton police and Montgomery County detectives disclosed the suspect defrauded the school of $579,651 by forging signatures of other employees, including obtaining credit card with their names.
• The investigation showed Paprocka spent the money on vacations, property and car rental payments, clothing, restaurants, Amazon purchases, and medical treatments.

District Attorney Kevin Steele said the case should serve as a reminder for non-profits to have checks on employees who have access to funds.
“It’s the only way to be sure the organization's money is safe,” he said.