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Authorities: Cheer program treasurer accused of stealing funds
Marjorie Lawrence allegedly stole more than $2,000
Majorie Lawrence
Marjorie Lawrence

The treasurer of a junior cheer program in Hall County was charged with taking thousands of dollars from the program’s fund.

Marjorie Lawrence, 36, of Gainesville, was charged Friday with theft by conversion. Lawrence was an administrator with the Junior War Eagle Cheer Program.

Lawrence is accused of having “appropriated approximately $2,191.40 worth of funds belonging to the Junior War Eagle Program when she transferred these funds to her personal account,” according to a Hall County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Lawrence declined to comment when reached by phone Wednesday, adding that she would be meeting with an attorney.

“(T)he investigation was brought to the attention of our office by other administrators that located discrepancies with the Junior War Eagle account,” Hall County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Deputy Nicole Bailes wrote in an email.

The money was allegedly used for her own personal bills and other items, according to authorities.

“The transfers took place over a one-year period between July of 2014 and August of 2015,” according to the news release.

Lawrence was booked in to the Hall County Jail on Friday, and she later posted a $5,700 bond.

Hall County Schools spokesman Gordon Higgins said Lawrence worked as a substitute teacher but “was changed to inactive the day we were informed of her arrest.”

“Our community ‘(junior)’ athletic programs, such as Jr War Eagles, Jr. Trojans, Jr. Falcons, etc., are not affiliated with the Hall County Board of Education,” Higgins said. “They have their own boards.”