The executive assistant allegedly cut herself checks, forged time sheets and made personal charges on the BID's credit card.
An executive assistant with the Washington Borough Business Improvement District allegedly stole about $25,000 from the organization over two years.
Kayla Rusin (File courtsy photo) In 2015 and 2016, Kayla M. Rusin cut herself checks, forged time sheets and used the BID credit card for personal purchases, according to an affidavit filed in state Superior Court in Belvidere.
The 28-year-old, of the 300 block of Water Street in Belvidere, was arrested Friday and charged with theft. She had her first court appearance Monday and was not in the county jail as of Wednesday.
Contact information for Rusin could not be found. The BID deferred comment to the Warren County prosecutor, who could not immediately be reached.
The BID is an organization supported by the borough that supports local businesses and organizes events. In 2014, Rusin was credited with creating and implementing a mobile app for the BID that included business and event listings, as well as local business news.
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Rusin's is the second high-profile theft case in the borough in the last two months. In May, Washington's former municipal clerk, Kristine Henry, was charged with cutting herself $97,682 in checks between 2011 and 2016. Her arrest followed a nearly yearlong investigation.
There was no indication in the charges or affidavit that the investigations had any connection.
Staff intern Alyssa Mursch contributed to this report.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.