Aurora woman charged with stealing from Milan soccer organization
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Charges have been filed against Julie A. Landers, 32, of Aurora, for allegedly taking $12,077.58 from the Milan Youth Soccer Organization from December 2000 to October 2003, where she was the former treasurer.

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel has charged Landers with four counts of Theft, Class D Felonies. She was arrested on the felony warrant Tuesday evening, June 29, and according to information from the Prosecutor's Office if found guilty, could face up to a 3-year sentence on each count and a $10,000 fine.

The investigation began in October 2003, when Shaunda Burdette contacted Milan's Chief of Police Tom Holt and Attorney John Watson concerning discrepancies in funding. Burdette was the Board of Director Secretary for the organization.

After an initial investigation, Chief Holt and Prosecutor Hertel decided to employ an accounting firm to conduct an audit of the organization's records for the time period in question. According to Hertel, a number of subpoenas were delivered to Fifth Third Bank, US Bank, and Sam's Club, for their records to assist in the audit.

Prosecutor Hertel described the investigation as "professional" and said the cooperative effort of the Milan Youth Soccer Board of Directors, the accounting firm and Chief Tom Holt, made it possible. "This type of theft should alert all local volunteer and service organizations that a checks and balance system should be in place." He also recommended that any person handling large amounts of money be bonded.

The Milan Youth Soccer Organization includes children from Ripley and Dearborn counties ages 4-14. Information from the prosecutor noted that there are approximately 200 children each year who participate with the group at the Milan Community Park. The program is a non-profit organization with funding coming from sponsor's fees and fundraising.