A Bethel Township woman accused of stealing more than $18,500 from the Bethel Wee Stingers football and cheer organization over an almost two-year period pleaded not guilty Sept. 9 to a felony theft indictment in Miami County Common Pleas Court.

Cari Milliman, 40, of Rudy Road, Tipp City, faces one felony count for allegedly stealing from the organization between March 1, 2013, and Feb. 1, 2015, while serving as treasurer.

Discrepancies in organization accounts were reported to the county Sheriff’s Office in early February. Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dave Duchak said two years of financial documents were reviewed by investigators who found funds spent without authorization or fraudulently.

Prosecutor Tony Kendell said $18,595.74 was allegedly stolen.

Milliman turned herself in to the sheriff’s department Sept. 8. She pleaded not guilty at arraignment and was released on a recognizance bond. Her pretrial hearing was scheduled for Sept. 21 in Judge Christopher Gee’s court.

Wee Stingers representatives were open about the missing money earlier in the year vowing to continue work to raise money for the organization so the kids who participate were not affected adversely.

The organization is separate from the Bethel Local Schools but has a working relationship with the district, Wee Stingers leaders said.