The former tax collector for a Pennsylvania township pleaded guilty to embezzling property taxes.
Karen McGinnis was the tax collector for Fairview Township from March 2023 through last January. In her job, she was responsible for collecting property taxes, including taxes payable to the township, Luzerne County, and the Crestwood School District.
However, it was determined that McGinnis embezzled more than $400,000 in property taxes and converted them to her own personal use. Both Luzerne County and the Crestwood School District received more than $10,000 from the federal government via grants and other programs during this timeframe.
McGinnis pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement of public funds. As part of her plea deal, she agreed to make a full restitution of the money she embezzled and pledged not to seek public office for the longer of three years or any term of probation imposed.
The maximum penalty under federal law for McGinnis’ offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. She is scheduled to return to federal court on Dec. 19 for a pre-sentence conference.
Photo of Karen McGinnis courtesy of Facebook
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