The thieves were respected citizens, CPAs and model workers. But they had access to money, and they took it. In recent years there’s been a rash of treasurers arrested, all claiming they needed cash – for a sick mother, lawyer fees, an Amway business, you name it. Lee Ann Augustine, former Franklin treasurer, said she stole $70,000 to save her life. At the time of the theft, she was separated from her husband, trucker Marvin Augustine. Lee Ann told investigators he was abusive, demanded money and threatened to kill her. Marvin denies this, saying “That was an act to make her look good before the court.” Barbara Davison served as Oak Creek treasurer for 20 years before resigning in 2002, but five years later, she was found guilty of embezzling $33,500. Barbara and her husband, Terry Davison, had moved to Camp Douglas in western Wisconsin, where they bought the Eagle’s Nest Resort campground for $288,100. Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney David Feiss, who prosecuted Davison, believes she embezzled to help pay for the campground, which has since generated hefty debt judgments for the couple. Every thief, it seems, has a story. Treasurers Turned Bad: – Arlie Davel, 44, stole $40,000 from May 1998 to September 2006 as treasurer of the Parent Association of Lincoln – Barbara Davison, 49, stole $33,500 from December 2001 to June 2002 as treasurer of the city of Oak Creek. Convicted 2007. – Lee Ann Augustine, 49, stole $70,000 from December 2002 to June 2003 as treasurer of the city of Franklin. Convicted 2006. – Wilbert M. Bauer, 64, stole $20,600 as treasurer of the West Allis-West Milwaukee Community Alliance Against Drugs. Convicted 2004. Also stole more than $170,000 as volunteer treasurer of the Milwaukee Audubon Society. Convicted 2005. – Geraldine A. Sherry, 62, stole $25,000 from February 2003 to April 2004 as deputy treasurer of the village of Thiensville. Convicted 2005. – Ryan T. Propper, 33, president, and Melissa A. Propper, 35, treasurer, stole $4,500 from July 2003 to May 2004 from the West Bend Jaycees. Convicted 2004. – Sana Jennings-Fossum, 46, stole more than $190,000 from 1998 to 2002 as treasurer of UW-MilwaukeeÕs Tax Association of Milwaukee. Convicted 2003. –
Elementary School in Port Washington. Convicted 2007.
Caught in the Act
The thieves were respected citizens, CPAs and model workers. But they had access to money, and they took it. In recent years there’s been a rash of treasurers arrested, all claiming they needed cash – for a sick mother, lawyer fees, an Amway business, you name it. Lee Ann Augustine, former Franklin treasurer, said she stole $70,000 to save her life. At the time of the theft, she was separated from her husband, trucker Marvin Augustine. Lee Ann told investigators he was abusive, demanded money and threatened to kill her. Marvin denies this, saying “That was an act to make her…
