Sunbury, PA, - A Jewish congregation that had hoped to be in a new synagogue this spring is now aiming for September, and its unpaid project manager is charged with stealing and is the target of a lawsuit.
Shelley R. Kolbert, 58, of Freeberg, is accused of stealing $126,802 in building funds and using it to pay for work at his home.
He also is being sued in Snyder County Court by another synagogue, Congregation Beth El, which accuses him of misappropriating $484,626.
Progress on the new synagogue at 249 Arch St. was delayed after an audit last fall revealed above-budget costs and insufficient funds to complete the work, according to court records.
Kolbert was terminated from his unpaid position, and Sunbury police subsequently charged him.
Kolbert is accused in the criminal case of withholding contractor payments and buying materials for his home project through Beth El's account at a Lowe's store. [PennLive]
Topic: Sunbury, PA, - Volunteer of Synagogue Construction Project Accused of Theft (Read 1489 times)