Treasurer for non-profit accused of theft

Former secretary-treasurer of Second Chance Animal Adoption has been charged with felony grand theft.

On Nov. 15, Donalyn Brown, 29, of Moyie Springs was confronted by SCAA board members Tim Dougherty and Kate Turner about more than $3,400 missing from an Edward E. Jones savings account, according to Det. Mike Nauman with Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.  Brown admitted to the theft and has been cooperating with authorities and Second Chance, Nauman said. 

The total amount missing has not been determined, however an audit is under way.

Brown became secretary-treasurer for Second Chance over a year ago, which is when the theft apparently began.  Brown told authorities and board members she intended to replace the money, according to Nauman.   Brown has since paid back some of the money after receiving a loan from her grandmother.

 A preliminary hearing has not been scheduled, but

should be on the schedule within a week or two.

Rhonda Hammerslough, executive director of Second Chance, did not want to comment.

 “We respectfully choose not to comment at this time as it has been difficult and trying,”  Hammerslough said.

“As for the new shelter, plans are still under way and will not be delayed,”  she said.

“A designer has been hired and we are moving is a positive direction,” Hammerslough said.