WHEELING, WV—Richelle D. Blair, 37, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was convicted today of embezzling money from a local non-profit organization, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Blair was formerly employed by Marshall County Starting Points Center, Inc., a non-profit social services organization in Marshall County, West Virginia. Starting Points receives federal grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Blair repeatedly utilized the organization’s funds to purchase items for her own personal use.

Blair pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Theft from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds.” She faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.