Evergreen Reporter

A Taylorville woman, Lori Zeitler, 65, has been sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution after being convicted of five counts of wire fraud. The sentencing took place on September 26, 2024.

The government presented evidence at the hearing showing that Zeitler misused her position as an employee at the Christian County YMCA to steal at least $292,336.29. Her actions resulted in a total loss of $600,000 for the organization. Zeitler had worked at the YMCA for 32 years in various roles, including bookkeeper. The theft was discovered when the YMCA transitioned to internet-based accounting software.

U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough highlighted that Zeitler's actions not only involved stealing money but also breaking the trust between the YMCA and the community it serves. Judge Myerscough remarked that Zeitler’s crimes were "almost unbelievable."

Zeitler pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment during a court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught on March 28, 2024.

Wire fraud carries statutory penalties of up to twenty years of imprisonment, fines up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and court-ordered restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore commented on the case: “The impact of the defendant’s deception is wide-reaching, as the money she stole deprived the Christian County YMCA of funds that should have gone towards needed facility improvements and to support programs for members.” She added that “the restitution order is a just result that will help the YMCA continue their mission in serving the community.”

FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson stated: “As a YMCA employee of 32 years, Lori Zeitler developed a long-time pattern of embezzlement, using her position of trust to steal from her employer and ultimately shortchanging the community the YMCA serves.” He emphasized that “we at the FBI and our law enforcement partners will always pursue justice in an effort to preserve public trust in its valued institutions.”

The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Field Office; Taylorville Police Department; and Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Senor-Moore represented the government during prosecution.