Woman Sentenced To Probation For Stealing From Charity

A Mentor-on-the-Lake woman was sentenced to three years of probation for stealing from her employer, Achievement Centers for Children, a charity that assists children with disabilities, which is headquartered in Highland Hills.

Jennifer Summers, 39, -- attempted grand theft, attempted unauthorized use of property and attempted communications fraud -- and Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Eileen Gallagher sentenced her Wednesday morning.

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 to Achievement Centers.