HARRISBURG, Pa. – Attorney General Bruce L. Castor, Jr. today announced a Crawford County man has pleaded guilty in connection with the theft of more than $123,000 from the local moose lodge where he previously served as lodge administrator.

Timothy Lee Lewis, 53, pleaded guilty today to one count of theft by unlawful taking, a second-degree felony. His sentencing is scheduled for October 5.

Lewis and his wife, Debra Gene Lewis, 50, in March were criminally charged following an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Task Force. The Office of Attorney General has handled the prosecutions of both individuals.

According to investigators, $123,588 was allegedly stolen from Moose Lodge No. 2505, located in East Fairfield Township, Crawford County. Investigators allege the couple stole the money during a time when they incurred significant gambling losses. Debra Lewis previously worked as the lodge’s social quarters manager.

Additionally, investigators alleged the couple failed to pay bills and state sales tax associated with the lodge during a time when they deposited lodge proceeds into their personal bank accounts. The couple also allegedly diverted thousands from a line of credit acquired from a bank that was meant to pay for capital purchases for the lodge.

Debra Lewis has been accepted into the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program and was ordered to pay restitution.

Attorney General Castor thanked the Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Task Force for its work on the investigation.

Deputy Attorney General Patrick Schulte of the Office of Attorney General’s Criminal Prosecutions Section has handled the prosecutions on behalf of the Commonwealth.