Scouts' dishonor: Pa. troop leader accused of stealing $10,000

OAKS, Pa. - According to authorities, this scoutmaster might deserve a demerit badge.

Police say an eastern Pennsylvania troop leader stole more than $10,000 from her Cub Scout pack and Girl Scout troop.

Heather Belford was arrested Wednesday on charges including theft and receiving stolen property. She is free on $5,000 bail pending a Feb. 4 preliminary hearing.

Police say the 30-year-old Lansdale woman used a Cub Scouts bank card to withdraw cash and make personal purchases totaling $3,411 last spring.

They say she ran a similar scheme using a Girl Scouts card and made unauthorized withdrawals and purchases transactions totaling $7,318.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman says the thefts cut into funding for the scout groups' youth programs. She is seeking restitution and encourages donations.