COURT HOUSE — A former North Wildwood condo association president Thursday, March 4 admitted embezzling over $50,000 from the group’s coffers, which she had been trusted to protect.

Anne Marie Kelly, 52, of Gilbertsville, Pa. and formerly of Anglesea’s Lodge Condominiums, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to the accusation of third-degree theft for writing checks from the association’s bank account and using the funds for her own benefit without the knowledge of the other condo trustees. The thefts took place during her presidency from January 2006 through June 2007.

Under the plea agreement, Kelly was admitted to a 36-month pretrial intervention (PTI) program, during which she agreed to pay back the $51,500 she stole from the association. Kelly also agreed to stay away from the condominium development.

If successfully completed, the PTI program, which is generally for first-time offenders, leaves no record of conviction and the defendant avoids the stigma of a criminal record.

When asked if he was pleased with the plea agreement, current Lodge trustee Brooks Robinson told the Herald, “Absolutely.”

“There are 148 families in the Lodge who were affected by this case,” Robinson said. “This now brings some closure to an issue that has gone on for a couple years and has been divisive for the entire community. We’re very pleased with the outcome.”

On Sept. 22 last year, Kelly was arrested and charged with theft by deception.

According to Robinson, a criminal investigation was initiated by the Prosecutor's office following discovery of financial irregularities when Kelly resigned her presidency. The association filed an insurance claim for over $72,000 and a subsequent investigation of those irregularities resulted in an insurance policy settlement to the association in excess of $44,000 in 2008.

A report of the investigation stated that Kelly denied any wrongdoing and instead blamed the discrepancies on “poor bookkeeping on her part and not any theft.”

If she hadn’t made this plea agreement, Kelly faced a maximum of five years incarceration in state prison if convicted of this crime at trial. Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor told Kelly that if she did not successfully complete the PTI program, she could be re-sentenced to the maximum penalty on the charge.

Kelly’s restitution includes over $6,000 for the association and the balance to the insurance company.

Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com