Montco DA: Convention official wrote $775K in checks to self

Over 13 years, William Barnes of Norristown misappropriated more than three-quarters of a million dollars while director of finances for the Valley Forge Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman charged today.

Barnes, of Norristown, was expected to turn himself in today to face arraignment on charges that include theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, and forgery.

Between January 1996 and February 2009, Barnes wrote 293 checks, totaling $775,509.44, to himself, then altered electronic and other records to cover up the thefts, the prosecutor's office said.

After Barnes retired, an audit discovered that facts and funds didn't add up.

Barnes has admitted to the thefts, saying most of the money went for supporting his wife and children, according to Vetri Ferman.

The visitor's bureau is funded in part with a hotel occupancy tax.

Paul Decker, president of the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, "Mr. Barnes was a trusted employee of the Bureau for 13 years. We were stunned, disappointed and betrayed upon learning of his alleged criminal actions.

He said the alleged embezzlement was uncovered in February when the bureau moved its accounting operations to an outside firm and immediately notified officials.

"While the Bureau had internal financial controls in place, we unfortunately learned that a motivated and dedicated individual could go to great lengths to circumvent them," Decker said in a statement.

"Since this situation came to light, we've undergone a thorough, professional reassessment of all our internal controls and have implemented even more-stringent guidelines. We have also filed a civil suit seeking the restitution of lost funds."