Arseneau, 52, of Goshen, is charged with 13 counts of felony theft for allegedly issuing herself 13 extra payroll checks from Nov. 29, 2012, to June 15, 2015, each for $1,534.34, according to Lebanon Municipal Court records.
Lebanon police Capt. Dave Gehringer said the department July 9 began investigating Arseneau. She was arrested Tuesday after an interview with detectives. Gehringer said Arseneau has been cooperative with police.
Arseneau had been with the chamber since 2003 until her June 30 resignation without explanation.
According to a statement from the chamber: “In reviewing records following her departure, irregularities in financial statements were identified by our auditors, Bone & Bone CPAs, and the Lebanon Police Department was contacted immediately.”
Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said police are continuing to investigate and more charges are possible.
“At first glance this appears to be an issue that happens in a lot of not-for-profit organizations,” said Fornshell, who added that the prosecutor’s office conducts workshops for nonprofit organizations “on how to protect themselves from crimes like this.”
Another workshop is planned for the fall, Fornshell said.
A committee, chaired by chamber board member Dr. Rich Coleman, has begun the organization’s search for a replacement. It expects to fill the position this fall, and anticipates naming an interim director while the search is underway, board President Justin Conger previously said.
More than 400 businesses and organizations are members of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce.
About the Author