CARBONDALE, Pa. — According to a search warrant, nearly $85,000 went missing over the past four years from the Greater Carbondale YMCA in Lackawanna County.
"We did discover some financial misconduct at the Carbondale YMCA, and we engaged local authorities," said Elizabeth Nagy, Greater Carbondale YMCA board member.
The missing money has been the focus of an investigation of more than a month by the Lackawanna County district attorney's office. Police records obtained by Newswatch 16 state that the DA's office tracked the last four years of bank statements linked to a former YMCA staff member.
From missing checks to donations disappearing, the search warrant claims more than $3,000 went missing in 2021. The amount of missing money grew each year until more than $40,000 was unaccounted for in the Y's 2023 account.
"It's just sickening in that, because everybody threw their heart and soul in, and they are still throwing their heart and soul in," said Fred Aileo of Carbondale.
Aileo, a former YMCA board member and Carbondale resident, was shocked to learn about the missing money, especially since he and past board members worked for years to get the building where it is today.
"I help with the youth basketball program at the Y and other things that they have going on there. It was a part of my life, and I enjoyed it," added Aileo.
"Someone needs to track down where that money went, and somebody needs to be held responsible for it. If we mess up like that or do something, someone's got to pay," said Waymart resident David Hinds.
Hinds says an investigation of this kind will leave a blemish on the community.
"We try and believe that around for the community and the town, and it's supposed to be a good place," said Hinds.
No arrests or criminal charges have been announced.
As the investigation continues, board members of the YMCA in Carbondale want to ensure users and donors that their investment in the community will be protected.
"We are going to ensure that henceforth everything is managed extremely appropriately here, and everyone should have full confidence that any funds coming in from individual donors, through grants or other capacities are all being appropriated appropriately from now on," added Nagy.
In recent months, there's been a shakeup in leadership at the Greater Carbondale YMCA. Board members say the former president, William Farber, stepped down earlier this year, and according to court paperwork, former executive director Jason Mackie stepped down last month.