McHENRY – Natalie G. Phelps, 37, of McHenry, pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzling $16,000 from the McHenry Pigtail League, where she served as president. Phelps was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $16,325 to the league, in addition to court fines and fees amounting to nearly $1,500.
The theft came to light when board members of the McHenry Pigtail League noticed discrepancies in the league’s bank accounts. Authorities were alerted in August 2023 when they found that a substantial amount of money was missing, with no clear justification for the withdrawals. According to the criminal complaint, between June 1, 2022, and August 3, 2023, Phelps made unauthorized withdrawals totaling $16,000 from the league’s funds.
Phelps, who held the position of league president at the time, was arrested in October 2023. The case has been resolved with her guilty plea, and she is now facing the financial and legal consequences of her actions. The court has mandated that she return the stolen funds and comply with the additional court fines.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial oversight within organizations, especially those that rely on community trust and volunteer leadership.
