CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A former executive director at a local YMCA is facing theft charges totaling nearly $100,000. Police say he stole the money over the span of four years.
The former executive director of the Greater Carbondale YMCA, Jason Mackie, allegedly embezzled nearly $100,000 from 2020 to 2024.
The money was taken out through cash, card, and check, according to these affidavits.
Police say Mackie then spent the money on personal items at stores, hotels, and gas stations.
44-year-old Jason Mackie, former executive director of the Greater Carbondale, is now in custody after years of alleged embezzlement.
"I think I might have seen him around." Carbondale resident Destney Dunbar
Destney and her sister, Krissy, who live in the area, are long-time members of the Greater Carbondale YMCA.
They recognized Mackie's picture and were surprised to hear of his alleged criminal behavior.
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"Why steal that much money or any at all?" Dunbar stated.
According to police reports, money started to go missing back in 2020.
A board of trustees member with the YMCA organization noticed discrepancies in the YMCA bank account.
Investigators believe Mackie was taking money from deposits made out to the YMCA's operations account.
Mackie was the one responsible for taking the deposits to the bank.
The money was allegedly stolen in the form of cash, credit cards, and checks.
Police say nearly $76,000 was stolen in cash, roughly $73,000 off of a YMCA credit card that was assigned to Mackie, and more than $16,000 in fraudulent checks written out to Mackie.
The nearly $100,000 between December 2020 and April 2024 was used for personal use. Items ranged from food to hotel expenses. Places included Dave and Busters, Walmart, and the Double Tree Hotel.
Mackie allegedly wrote numerous checks intended for events such as "board meeting lunch or raffle prize money," cash that was not necessary or didn't line up with expenses at the time.
In a statement to 28/22 news, the YMCA wrote in part:
The Greater Carbondale YMCA operates with the strength of a dedicated and passionate staff team. The Y remains committed to serving our members and community.
The Greater Carbondale YMCA
The Y's motto states, "We're for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility."
This embezzled money has cost the organization, and Dunbar feels the man being accused should have to pay back the money.
"They should be able to get that money back because that much money could help them a lot, because nothing is cheap anymore. I hope that guy gets whatever comes to him," Dunbar added.
Mackie is facing several charges. Those include theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and other related charges.
He awaits his preliminary hearing.
As for the Greater Carbondale YMCA, they told 28/22 News they are not providing further information at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
