DA: Ex-municipal official stole $3M from taxpayers

WEST CHESTER (AP) — A former township official outside Philadelphia stole more than $3 million from taxpayers, using some of embezzled money to fund a lavish lifestyle that included trips to Italy and France and shopping sprees for designer clothing and jewelry, authorities said Tuesday.

Lisa Moore, 46, the former manager of Kennett Township, Chester County, was charged with theft, forgery, tampering with public records and related counts. She was released on unsecured bail after an arraignment Tuesday. She ignored questions from reporters.

“This case is all about greed,” said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. “The defendant was well-compensated … but she decided to live the high life, funded by the taxpayers of Kennett Township. There is no excuse for such a blatant abuse of a position of trust.”

Moore helped herself to money from the township’s general fund, forged checks, used a township credit card for personal expenses and even faked a marriage so her friend could get medical benefits financed by taxpayers, according to court documents.

Moore’s attorney, Lee Ciccarelli, said Tuesday that he plans to “fully defend this case.”

“We certainly look forward for the truth to come out,” he said. “We’re not simply abiding by the commonwealth’s accusations.”

Moore worked for the township for more than 20 years, the last nine of them as manager. Township supervisors fired her shortly after the alleged fraud was discovered.