Menifee Scout Leader Accused of Embezzling $5,000 from Troop

A Menifee woman has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling more than $5,000 from a Moreno Valley Girl Scout troop.

According to a news release on the City of Redlands website, Redlands police arrested 26-year-old Michelle Marie Villa on Jan. 23 after the embezzlement was reported by the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio headquarters in Redlands. Detectives served a search warrant at the suspect’s home in the 29200 block of Fenwick Circle and recovered evidence of the embezzlement.

According to Redlands police, Villa was the troop leader for a Moreno Valley Girl Scout troop and used the troop debit card to purchase more than $5,000 worth of personal items, including groceries, craft supplies, athletic gear and a computer and printer, between July 2012 and July 2013.

Villa has been released on $50,000 bail. No court date has been set.

According to a report on CBS-TV, the Girl Scout Council will reimburse the troop for the missing funds.