(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A 65-year-old Taylorville woman was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation and ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution after being convicted of five counts of wire fraud. Lori Zeitler, who worked at the Christian County YMCA for 32 years, stole at least $292,336 from the organization. Her theft was discovered when the YMCA switched to an internet-based accounting software.

During the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence showing Zeitler abused her position of trust as a bookkeeper at the YMCA. U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough emphasized that Zeitler’s actions not only caused financial loss but also broke the trust between the YMCA and the community. Zeitler had pleaded guilty to all charges in March.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore highlighted the wide-reaching impact of Zeitler’s deception, noting that the stolen funds could have supported facility improvements and programs for YMCA members. The case was investigated by the FBI, Taylorville Police Department, and Illinois State Police.