TOMS RIVER – A Lakehurst woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $119,000 from the Toms River Elks for her personal use.
Christine Wilbert, 46, pleaded guilty Jan. 25 to one count of second-degree theft before Ocean County Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski.
The state will ask that Wilbert be sentenced to five years in state prison and pay $119,000 restitution.
She’s scheduled for sentencing May 3.
Wilbert was the treasurer for Toms River Elks Lodge 1875. Between April 2013 and June 2016, she allegedly issued 50 checks to herself but recording them as charitable payments. She also skimmed money from the cash she was supposed to deposit into the Elks’ bank accounts.
“Wilbert was entrusted with managing the lodge’s various bank accounts, including its general charity account that was used to provide donations to both charitable and civic organizations, as well as citizens in need.” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
