Credit: Upper Makefield police
After an investigation by Upper Makefield police and Bucks County Detectives, the former treasurer of the Upper Makefield Business Association has been charged with allegedly stealing more than $60,000 from the organization.
Richard Walker, 75, turned himself in to police Tuesday and was arraigned on charges of
misappropriation of entrusted government/financial institution property, receiving stolen property, theft by failing to make required disposition funds and theft by unlawful taking.
According to authorities, Walker stole more than $60,000 from the Upper Makefield Business Association over the course of several years. He had served as the treasurer of the organization for 20 years and had attended check presentations before township officials in the past.
Walker’s alleged crimes came to light when new leadership took over the Upper Makefield Business Association and noticed financial irregularities. The situation was then reported to Upper Makefield police, who involved the district attorney’s detectives.
Walker did not cooperate when Upper Makefield Business Association asked for financial records and was upset when questions were raised about accounting of the organization’s funds, police said.
The Upper Makefield Business Association is known for hosting the annual Revolutionary Run, which raises money for scholarships, and other fundraisers to benefit the community.
Walker was arraigned Tuesday afternoon by District Judge Mick Petrucci on charges of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, theft, receiving stolen property and misappropriation of entrusted financial institution property. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
