A Taylorville woman was sentenced to three years of probation on September 26, 2024, for embezzling $600,000 from the Christian County YMCA. Lori Zeitler, 65, who worked at the YMCA for 32 years, was also ordered to pay full restitution. She had pleaded guilty in March to five counts of wire fraud.
According to evidence presented at the hearing, Zeitler stole at least $292,336 from the CC YMCA while serving in various roles, including bookkeeper. Her theft was uncovered after the organization switched to internet-based accounting software. U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough said that in addition to the financial loss, Zeitler's actions severely damaged the trust between the YMCA and the community.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore looks to the impact on the YMCA, stating that the stolen funds could have been used for facility improvements and community programs. FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson also condemned Zeitler’s long-term pattern of theft, stressing the importance of safeguarding public trust.
The case was investigated by the FBI's Springfield Field Office, the Taylorville Police Department, and the Illinois State Police.
