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Pewaukee wrestling club’s former treasurer charged over alleged personal spending
A former treasurer of the Pewaukee Youth Wrestling Club is accused of using club money for personal expenses and failing to turn over thousands of dollars after closing its account. She faces a felony theft charge that could bring up to six years in prison.
PEWAUKEE, Wis. — The former treasurer of the Pewaukee Youth Wrestling Club has been charged with felony theft after investigators said she used organization funds for personal expenses, including nail appointments, tanning, gas and restaurant meals.
Erinne C. Sonnenberg served as treasurer beginning in 2018 or 2019, according to a criminal complaint. During her tenure, the club received about $120,477, while documented club expenses totaled roughly $72,726. That accounting suggested the organization should have had more than $47,000 remaining.
Instead, Sonnenberg allegedly told a club co-director that she closed the account with about $7,000 in it. The money was not returned to the club, according to the complaint.
The co-director also told police she personally paid $4,400 for hats for the organization. Sonnenberg allegedly reimbursed her with two checks totaling $2,850, but both checks were returned for insufficient funds.
Police further determined that more than $16,000 was withdrawn in cash from the club’s account between 2019 and 2022. Club co-directors told investigators those withdrawals were far beyond the organization’s normal cash needs.
Sonnenberg is charged with theft of movable property valued between $5,000 and $10,000. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
The allegations have not been proven in court. A criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.