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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend November 16, 2006 Former treasurer guilty of embezzling Baptist church organization's treasurer nearly empties the nonprofit's bank account A local religious organization's former treasurer must perform community service for embezzling $41,000 from the group. Deanne Lynn Lewis, 52, of the 3200 block of Hyacinth Avenue, Medford, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court to three counts of first-degree theft, a felony. Circuit Court Judge Bill Purdy ordered her to serve two years of probation and perform 120 hours of community service, in addition to repaying the money she stole from Siskiyou Baptist Association. Lewis nearly drained the nonprofit group's bank account between January and September last year. The Central Point-based organization is composed of 13 smaller churches throughout the Rogue Valley and raises money for Baptist missionary work. Lewis wrote checks from the association's account to pay her bills and living expenses, said Medford police Detective Sue Campbell. Board members became aware of the theft when Sterling Savings Bank sent numerous overdraft notices to the church, said Ginger Greer, deputy district attorney for Jackson County. "There's just a whole heck of a lotta checks that were written," Greer said. Lewis initially was charged with a more serious crime, aggravated first-degree theft, but her charges were reduced because she had no prior criminal record, Greer said. Lewis was not arrested. She admitted the crime and was "utterly cooperative," Greer added. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com