Montco Accountant Goes Directly To Jail For Embezzling From Clients and Little League
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A former supervisor in Whitpain Township (Montgomery County), Pa. is headed to jail for stealing more than $1.7 million from a former client while he was a certified public accountant and from the Lower Gwynedd Little League while he was their volunteer treasurer.
William McKernan III admitted he was living the high life on somebody else's dime, spending tens of thousands of dollars on lavish vacations, expensive clothing, and golf outings (see previous story).
He told the court that alcohol played a part: the more he drank, the more he spent, and then he started stealing.
The judge sentenced the 45-year-old Blue Bell man to 11½ to 23 months in county prison.
"He became intoxicated by the adoration of being a big shot in the community," says defense attorney Bruce Castor, "and that led to more drinking and more spending and more trying to demonstrate that he was a important guy in that community. And it spiraled out of control."
McKernan tearfully apologized to the victims and his family. He's paid back nearly $1 million and is eligible for work release so he can continue to make restitution.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060
