Former secretary gets probation for stealing gift cards from Holy Trinity School in San Pedro

A former secretary at Holy Trinity School in San Pedro was sentenced to five years probation and 150 days of community service for stealing scrip gift cards meant to be sold to parents for fundraising, authorities said Friday.

Kimberly Rauch, 49, also was ordered to pay $1,600 in restitution to the school and can no longer hold any positions or roles handling the finances of any organization.

Rauch previously pleaded guilty in Long Beach Superior Court to a felony count of grand theft by embezzlement. Judge Laura Laesecke sentenced her on Thursday.

In January 2014, school office staff called Los Angeles Harbor Division police detectives when they discovered the disappearance of scrip gift cards.

Although employees initially found $300 in cards missing, an audit found evidence that about $65,000 in cards were taken over a year, police said at the time.

Investigators said Rauch used cards to purchase groceries, enabling her to live above her means.

Churches and schools use scrip cards to raise money. Groups buy gift cards in bulk from businesses at a discounted price, then sell them at full value to their members. The group pockets the extra money.

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