(Michigan City, IN) - A La Porte woman is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from an American Legion Post.  Natalee Stewart, 41, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with theft and fraud, both Level 5 felonies. 

 

Authorities said Stewart was a volunteer financial officer for the American Legion Skwiat Post in Michigan City. Her duties giving her access to the accounts included payroll, bookkeeping and handling the finances of the organization.

 

From April to November, authorities said she made over $90,000 in withdrawals from two separate accounts. When questioned, Stewart allegedly told police she used the money to gamble, pay bills and for other expenses.

 

According to court documents, Stewart said she intends to sell her home and use the money to pay back the funds.  She could face an up to six year sentence on each count.

 

Stewart arrested on Thursday following a near one month long investigation was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.