Golden – More than $2,700 has vanished from Cub Scout Pack 815’s bank account, and former treasurer Sheila Lamotte has been charged with theft.
Since the money went missing in April, the pack – which consists of seven dens – has been unable to buy items earned by the boys and couldn’t sponsor several boys at summer camp.
“It’s not so much the money that she stole, but she stole from the boys,” said Kirk Andersen, the pack’s Webelos den leader. “These boys are in first through fifth grades and while we haven’t told them what happened, they know that somebody they should have trusted did something.”
Court documents show Lamotte served as treasurer for the Morrison based pack from May 2006 to January 2007.
Pack leaders alerted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in April that Lamotte appeared to have written checks to herself and to her mother. Lamotte has refused to explain the situation, Andersen said.
On July 10, after receiving the sheriff’s investigative file, the Jefferson County district attorney’s office charged Lamotte with theft series, a class 4 felony.
“It’s all a misunderstanding,” said Lamotte’s attorney, Andrew Goertzel. He declined to comment further.
Lamotte, 41, of Morrison, appeared in court last week to move a hearing date from late September to October due to travel plans.
The situation, Andersen said, “has prevented us from doing any purchases for the pack until September when annual dues were paid.” Andersen said that meant the pack couldn’t pay for educational experiences, such as bringing in Hawkquest, a reptile organization, folk singers, magicians and a science program.
The pack couldn’t afford belt loops, beads and patches that are awarded for proficiency in academic and sports skills.
The pack ordinarily pays for the multicolored kerchiefs given during the “bridge crossing” ceremony, an event held in May to recognize boys as they progress in scouting.
This year, some older brothers donated kerchiefs, and some parents – told of the case – bought kerchiefs for their sons.
Andersen dipped into his pocket to lease the pavilion in Bear Creek Lake Park where the ceremony is held.
“Fortunately, we have some strong leaders, parents and Scouts,” Andersen said.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
