$53,000 Channahon Embezzlement: Woman Confesses, Police Say

CHANNAHON, IL — A 38-year-old Minooka woman has confessed to stealing at least $53,000 from Channahon United Methodist Church's preschool program, and she is no longer in custody after posting 10 percent of her $15,000 bail, according to police.

Last Friday, Channahon-Minooka Patch broke the news of Kelly Shaeffer being charged in Will County with three felony theft charges stemming from missing money at Channahon's Methodist Church, where she was the preschool program's treasurer.

Shaeffer transferred the money into her personal accounts, Channahon Deputy Police Chief Adam Bogart informed Patch.

Bogart said the Minooka woman used the money to pay for her personal expenses during a period of four to five years. Will County Judge Ed Burmila issued a bench warrant for Shaeffer's arrest last Thursday, July 9.

Members of the Channahon church, according to Bogart, became suspicious of Shaeffer's activity and the church sought a complete audit for the preschool program's finances.

"Before an audit could be completed, Shaeffer admitted to theft and returned a portion of the stolen money," Bogart informed Patch on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the Minooka woman gave Channahon's detectives a confession, Bogart said.

In recent days, Shaeffer surrendered to the Channahon Police Department and that's where her mugshot was taken. She was not booked into the Will County Jail.

Shaeffer, who lives on McCoy Court, can remain free while her criminal case is pending at downtown Joliet's Will County Courthouse.

The Channahon United Methodist Preschool is at 24751 W. Eames St.