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Foundation accuses secretary of stealing nearly $1 million

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OGDEN, Utah - The Weber School Foundation filed a lawsuit against a former secretary, accusing her of stealing more than $900,000 and alleging she transferred assets to family members after officials confronted her.

"Our initial evidence is pretty damning," said Bryan Benard, a foundation board member and attorney in the case.

Denise Aughney worked six hours a week at the foundation. She is accused of forging signatures on checks and stealing money over at least five years.

Weber County authorities are investigating the case but no charges have been filed. Aughney, who was fired Dec. 20, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment Friday.

The foundation announced that money was missing Jan. 17.

It raises money and pays for field trips, wheelchairs, playground equipment and other school-related projects in the 28,744-student Weber School District, north of Salt Lake City.

Second District Judge W. Brent West granted the foundation's request Thursday to freeze Aughney's bank accounts and other assets.

The lawsuit also names her husband and parents. The foundation alleges that she transferred property to them on Dec. 15, a day after she was placed on leave.

"If those other three knew what Denise was doing all along, they should have come forward," Benard said.

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