Westerly School Department employee charged after depositing $8,400 worth of checks

By: News Staff

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WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) – A former Westerly School Department employee has been arrested and charged after depositing $8,400 worth of checks meant for the Town of Westerly.

Lisa Guarnieri, 52, of Westerly, was arrested and charged Tuesday with eight counts of Unlawful Appropriation of Funds.

Guarnieri appeared in court today and was released on $5,000 personal recognizance.

An investigation was conducted by Westerly Police, State Police, and the Attorney General’s office after the Westerly Finance Director learned that Guarnieri may have been involved in fraudulent activities involving town funds.

The School Department contacted police, and a complaint was filed.

Over a period of one year, Guarnieri allegedly used a mobile banking app to deposit checks that were intended for and which the payee was the Town of Westerly, into her personal bank account while working in the finance department.

Guarnieri, an employee of the School Department for approximately 13 years, was in a position where she received payments for the School Department.

A warrant was issued for Guarnieri’s arrest and she turned herself in Tuesday morning.

Six counts against her are felonies, and two are misdemeanors, based on the value of the checks deposited.

All checks combined totaled approximately $8,400.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017