Berwick councilwoman arrested on theft, forgery counts

BERWICK — State Police on Thursday arrested a Berwick Elementary School secretary, who also is a city councilwoman, on counts of felony theft and forgery, according to a news release.

State Police arrested Penny T. Crappell, 47, following an investigation into the theft of St. Mary Parish School Board funds, Trooper Stephen Hammons said in the news release.

Detectives were able to obtain evidence that Crappell allegedly used her position at the school to steal funds from the School Board for personal gain, Hammons said.

The evidence also indicated Crappell forged the name of an employee at the school to negotiate some of the false transactions, Hammons said.

In all, Crappell is accused of conducting 53 transactions for various dollar amounts totaling more than $58,000, Hammons said.

Crappell surrendered to detectives at the parish jail Thursday morning. She was booked on counts of felony theft and forgery, Hammons said.

Calls to Mayor Louis A. Ratcliff’s home and to Crappell’s home were not returned Thursday afternoon.