A former Tomahawk/Merrill Tavern League secretary has been charged with one felony count of theft in a business setting after stealing nearly $10,000 in League funds.
Deborah L. Smith, 52, of Tomahawk, allegedly stole $9,900 from the Tavern League’s savings account for her personal use while serving as secretary between November 2012 and May 2013.
A theft complaint was filed by Tavern League officers in August 2013 after Smith had failed to pay back the money as requested by the board. According to court records, Smith had told the Tavern League president that she had borrowed the money with the intention of paying it back.
As the investigation was ongoing, Smith contacted Tomahawk Police in January 2014, requesting to speak to an officer. According to court records, she admitted to taking the $9,900 because her business was in financial trouble. She said she meant to pay back the money taken from the Tavern League once her business sold, but she had been unable to sell it.
Smith will make an initial appearance in Lincoln County Circuit Court Aug. 14.