Church bookkeeper charged with theft by swindle

A bookkeeper is accused of stealing nearly $200,000 from a Catholic church and school in Albert Lea.

Thirty-seven-year-old Ryan McFarland is charged with nine counts of theft by swindle. McFarland was in charge of payroll and church contributions. A criminal complaint says McFarland transferred funds from St. Theodore Catholic Church and its school to her personal accounts in 2014 and 2015.

KTTC-TV reports an accountant from the Diocese of Winona discovered missing money while conducting an audit. McFarland is scheduled in court April 28. It was not immediately clear if she has an attorney.

The parish's losses are covered by insurance.

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