A former employee at Voices 4 Families has been charged with a felony after she allegedly stole money from the organization.

At 11:30 am on August 7th, North Platte Police responded 417 North Dewey on the report of a theft from Voices 4 Families.

Officials with the organization told the responding Officer that Ashley Pankonin, a former employee, had stolen a company cell phone and possibly other property that belonged to the the non-profit group.

Officers learned that Pankonin had upgraded her company phone to a newer model after her employment had ended.  Police believe she planned on using the phone for personal use while the bill was being paid for by the business.

While the Officer was present, it was also noted that Pankonin had made an unauthorized withdrawal of $1,500 from the businesses account.  Police allege she planned to use the monies for personal use.

Additionally, it was also discovered that Pankonin had failed to return a laptop computer that belonged to Voices 4 Families.  The Officer spoke with Pankonin who stated that she wasn’t going to return the computer until the information it contained was removed.  She told Police she had taken the computer to another business that perfored work on computers.  It was determined that she had no intention of stealing the computer.

Following an investigation, it was determined that there was probable cause to arrest Pankonin for Felony Theft by Deception because of the unauthorized withdrawal as well as the issue with the cell phone.

Pankonin was processed at the Lincoln County Detention Center and released.

Voices 4 Families is a non-profit family support organization, serving families in West/Central Nebraska whose children are diagnosed with mental, behavioral and/or emotional disorders and/or substance abuse.