The former treasurer of Butler County Sports Hall of Fame was accused of removing more than $36,000 from the organization’s bank account over the course of four years, according to charges filed Thursday, May 9.

Thomas M. Turner, 68, of Butler, was charged with felonies criminal use of a communication facility, theft and access device fraud, after police said he presented fraudulent statements about the financial well-being of the organization to its leaders.

Dess Schnur, president of the organization, said Friday in a phone call that Turner was treasurer until May 1, when he came forward to board members and they became aware of the situation.

The board then removed Turner’s access to the group’s bank account.

According to a Friday statement by the hall of fame’s board, the organization was left without enough funds to properly pay for vendor services for its induction ceremony April 27.

“It was taken upon the board members to personally ensure that all vendors were paid in total for their services, a total that exceeded $8,000,” the statement read, in part. “The board is cooperating with law enforcement in all aspects of the investigation.”

Documents show the organization reached out to police May 3 after Turner told its leaders he had been removing money from them since 2020. The leaders disclosed Turner revealed this before an in-house audit took place, police said.

According to documents, Turner had access to the organization’s bank account, which was located at the same facility where he held a private account. Police said Turner would enter the bank and withdraw unauthorized funds from the organization’s account then transfer the funds to himself.

Turner transferred funds approximately 93 times, resulting in a $36,000 loss for the organization, charging documents show.

Police said they interviewed Turner at the city police station about the alleged thefts on Thursday, and he told officers he used the money for utility bills.

“It’s been a total stun shock,” Schnur said.

He said the board determined they would take it upon themselves to immediately pay all outstanding bills from the April event.

“The board is composed of local volunteers who are passionate about serving Butler County athletes, and we are currently evaluating the next steps to ensure this historic organization can continue to honor the tremendous teams and athletes that have competed in Butler County,” the board of the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame said in Friday’s statement.

Schnur said the secretary has taken on additional duties since Turner’s removal.

The board will discuss filling the vacant treasurer position at its next meeting, he said.

Turner’s preliminary hearing before District Judge William Fullerton is scheduled June 17.

Eagle staff writer Irina Bucur contributed to this report.