Woman accused of stealing from Park Rapids Legion club

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. — A Park Rapids woman has been charged with the theft of more than $16,000 in gaming proceeds from the Park Rapids American Legion.

An omnibus hearing in Hubbard County District Court has been set for Dec. 3 in the case of Julie Ihme Swanson, 41.
The criminal complaint states the money, $16,871, was taken over the past four years.
“The defendant stated she would sell bingo cards for cash and pocket the money,” the complaint stated. “She would make the books look like the cards were not sold to hide the theft.”
The theft was discovered during a recent audit of gaming funds.
“The defendant stated by the time she realized she had stolen such a large amount it was too late,” the complaint stated. “The defendant stated she thought she would be caught sooner.”