BINGHAM (AP) – State police say the former treasurer of a Bingham church is facing felony theft charges after allegedly stealing at least $87,000 during the last four years.

Thirty-year-old Olivia Beane of Moscow allegedly wrote checks from accounts of the First Congregational Church of Bingham and took money from Sunday service collections. State Trooper Randy Keaten says Beane, who was arrested Tuesday, allegedly wrote herself checks for more than $87,000 over four years.

The trooper says church officials became suspicious when reviewing financial accounts and went to state police.

Keaten says Beane told police she and her family have been experiencing financial difficulties. She’s free on bail.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-08-21-08 0859EDT