BENSALEM, PA – Melissa Montney, the treasurer of the Bensalem Education Support Professional Association (BESPA), turned herself in to Bensalem Township Police today, after an investigation revealed that she embezzled $28,802.18 between November 2018 and June 2022. Montney used the stolen funds for personal purchases at various businesses, including Amazon, Friendly’s, Old Navy, QVC, Starbucks, Target, Acme, Wawa, Door Dash, Best Buy, and at least 58 other businesses.
The investigation began on March 25, 2023, when the BESPA president reported a theft of approximately $25,000 from association funds. Bank records revealed that Montney opened four other accounts in the association’s name at various banks, all with negative balances. Montney resigned as treasurer when confronted about the discrepancies and provided a box of bank records with poor record keeping and undeposited dues checks.
Montney faces charges of Access Device Fraud, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Receiving Stolen Property. She was arraigned by District Justice Falcone and was released after family members posted 10% of $25,000 bail. Bensalem Police thanked BESPA and the Bensalem Township School District for their cooperation during the investigation.