Katy Woman Embezzled from Youth Hockey League

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

May 16, 2018

By Jennifer Skelton

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Katy woman who allegedly stole more than $200,000 from a youth hockey league.

While budgeting for the league, the president of the Interscholastic Hockey League for teens 13-18 years of age noticed discrepancies. He told deputies that he confronted Michele Bernier, the treasurer. He also said the suspect admitted withdrawing money from the league’s bank account since she became treasurer in 2013.

Michele Bernier said she took the funds because of her family’s financial hardship. League officials determined that since Bernier became the league treasurer she had stolen $223,327.

The club’s president told Sheriff’s Office Detectives that Bernier, who had hired an attorney, offered $45,000 in restitution, but the league rejected the offer.

The loss won't affect the league because insurance will take care of the missing money.

Michele Bernier, 51, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning and is being held in the Fort Bend County jail on a $224,000 bond. She is charged with a felony that carries a punishment of up to 99 years.

Bernier is a Canadian citizen so she must also surrender her passport. She has lived in Katy at least since 2010 when she bought a house in the Seven Meadows.

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