Over $250K Embezzled From Oklahoma City YWCA - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

Oklahoma City's YWCA retail operation was the victim of embezzlement by a former employee, the organization announced Thursday.

"The YWCA management and Board of Directors place top priority on fiscal responsibility and financial transparency, and although we have strict financial policies and procedures in place to prevent the misuse of our funds, we have been the victim of embezzlement," said Jan Peery, CEO of YWCA Oklahoma City.

In a press release issued Thursday morning, the organization says it is turning over all evidence regarding the incident to law enforcement authorities, who will ultimately make the decision whether or not to prosecute the former employee.

Authorities with the organization say they intend to file a civil lawsuit in an effort to recover the embezzled funds, totaling approximately $280,000.

The press lease continues, saying that the embezzlement appears to be limited to funds generated from the  YWCA's retail operation and did not involve the theft of funds received through capital campaign contribution, grants, charitable contributions or other private donations.