BRADY TWP — The former manager of a popular local campground allegedly told investigators that she stole thousands of dollars to care for her family.

Margaret Skelley, 38, of Center Township is accused of pocketing more than $26,000 over two years from Moraine Camplands.

However, in a telephone interview Tuesday, an emotional Skelley said, “I don’t think I’m guilty.”

Skelley, who had not hired an attorney, is charged with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds and receiving stolen property.

According to court records, the Center Township woman had been hired by the campgrounds in 2010 as a part-time office worker. In January 2012, she was promoted to office manager. She was fired after members of the Moraine Camplands Association board discovered a deposit of $2,188 had not been made.

According to court records, Skelley told the board “she did not know where the money went but felt responsible for the money since she was office manager.”

The association hired a private forensic accountant who audited the financial records and determined $26,500 was missing since Skelley was hired, according to court records. All of the missing money was cash payments made by customers at the campground.

More than 800 campers own trailers and lease lots at the site, which is on Staff Road, about 1½ miles west of Route 8.

After the private audit, state police interviewed Skelley, who “confessed to taking several thousands of dollars but wasn’t sure how much. She said she took the money to help out her family,” according to court records.

Skelley reportedly told police that she was struggling financially in 2013 and used the money for “everyday things such as rent, food and clothing.”

However, during a telephone interview with the Eagle Tuesday, Skelley said that she felt the charges were not appropriate.

Skelley is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing July 23 in the Slippery Rock District Court before Senior District Judge Joseph O’Donnell. Meantime, she is free having posted $10,000 unsecured bail.

The camp’s board members could not be reached for comment.