CLINTON TWP — A criminal investigation uncovered more than $131,000 was stolen from township coffers between 2011 and 2015.

According to a police affidavit, former township secretary Margaret Nelson, 52, of Knoch Road wrote 35 checks from the township payroll tax account totaling $97,784. Those checks — which were written between June 28, 2011, and Sept. 25, 2015 — ranged between $1,285 and $4,627, according to the affidavit. Nelson also is accused of writing five checks to herself from the township general fund totaling $33,384. According to the affidavit, “Nelson admitted to documenting misleading information in the township ledger. She admitted to stealing money from the township, but was unsure of the total amount stolen.” In addition to writing the checks, Nelson allegedly bought items totaling $848 with a township credit card between Nov. 17, 2014, and Oct. 6, 2015. The account was credited $200 due to the purchases, leaving the net cost at $648. According to the affidavit, “She admitted to purchasing items on the township credit card for her personal use, indicated it was a mistake, and that she intended to pay the money back.” Clinton Supervisor Kathy Allen, board chairman, said the township's finances weathered this storm. “We're running in the black,” Allen said. The 2017 budget did not include a property tax hike. Allen said the township is bonded. “We are confident we will recover our funds,” he said. Allen said the township would recoup the missing funds as well as additional expenses incurred as a result. State police charged Nelson, who also is the former township zoning officer, on Nov. 8 with five felony counts: restricted activities — conflict of interest, access device fraud, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and receiving stolen property. She also is charged with a misdemeanor count of tampering with records.