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Police: NJ Woman Stole Thousands From Cheer Squad

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say an official with a competitive cheerleading squad lied about a purse snatching to conceal her theft of funds from the organization.

Mount Laurel police say 44-year-old township resident Janene Hamilton reported her purse was stolen last month in a restaurant parking lot.

Hamilton claimed the purse contained $4,900 in cash belonging to the New Jersey Force Cheer Association, where she served as a board member. But investigators say Hamilton stole more than $9,000 from the organization between December 2013 and last month.

Hamilton is charged with theft and filing a false police report. Authorities say she maintains the purse snatching occurred, but said she inflated the amount stolen to conceal the thefts.

It wasn't known Saturday if she has retained an attorney.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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