By David Madden

GLENOLDEN, Pa. (CBS) – The treasurer for a suburban branch of the Knights of Columbus is facing theft charges in Delaware County. He’s accused of skimming $53,000 from the group over a five year period.

46-year-old Michael Twigg of Glenolden surrendered Friday on felony theft and forgery charges. He’s free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Delaware County DA Jack Whelan says Twigg was one of two signatures needed on checks issued by the Trinity Chapter and Cardinal Dougherty Assembly.

“Because he forged the other officer’s signature, Mr. Twigg was successful in convincing the bank that he had the requisite two signatures when, in fact, it was a complete forgery,” says Whelan.

Leaders at the Knights of Columbus noticed that several checks to local Catholic charities bounced this summer. They confronted Twigg who admitted to them, and later to detectives, that he wrote checks out to himself after he was laid off from his job.

Whelan hopes to obtain full restitution as this matter plays out in court.