Brick Woman Charged With Stealing $86K from School Organization

A Brick woman has been charged with stealing more than $86,000 from a nonprofit organization associated with the following a four month long police investigation.

Wendy Griggs, 44, a Brookfield Drive resident, turned herself in to Brick Police Detective Michael Bevacqua Friday morning after learning a warrant was out for her arrest, according to Brick Police Capt. John Rein.

Rein said Bevacqua led an investigation into thefts from the Brick Community Primary Learning Center Home and School Council, where Griggs served as president from Aug. 2007 through Aug. 2011 and had control of organization funds. The investigation was initiated after a police report was filed on August 30, 2011 by new executive board members who determined funds were missing after conducting an informal audit, Rein said.

Griggs is suspected of using funds from the organization, as well as an ATM card linked to an organization account, for personal use, including car payments and utility bills. She was charged with one count each of theft and computer theft.

Griggs' bail was set by Municipal Court Judge Michael R. Bateman at $25,000 with an option to post a 10 percent bond. Griggs was processed on the charges and released after posting bond.

Rein said the investigation is continuing, and Bevacqua is still combing through financial records from the organization.