California Boy Scout Troop 291 Robbed

Who in their right mind would steal from the Boy Scouts? The former treasurer for Troop 291 did just that. Cynthia "Kay" Castle, the former treasurer ,has been embezzling money from this troop for a long time. The troops Scout Master, Chris Lee, explained to the Lodi News Sentinel that money was missing from their account and confronted the treasurer about it. Ms. Cynthia Castle gave excuses, but the matter was still looked into. She finally admitted to the embezzlement and said she would repay back the money. At first the Troop leaders said they would work with her, but with further depth into the account they discovered that the total amount added up to $ 25,000. This was unthinkable as the Boy Scout troops had been working very hard to earn and save money so that some of them could attend the National Jamboree in Virginia for the 100- year Celebration this year, but obviously now they cannot go. Many people have commented on the Lodi News Sentinel web site, www.lodinewssentinel.com, and have said some cruel things about what is happening due to the fact that Ms. Castle is a thief, but she has a problem, why are the Boy Scout leaders having her arrested?

Cynthia "Kay" Castle, of Lockeford, CA. was arrested on Thursday as she entered the Lodi, Ca. Police department for a further interview into the case. Ms. Castle and a couple of her friends noticed a KCRA-3 News Channel camera pointing at them. With her finely manicured nails and surprised look on her face she was slapped with hand cuffs on her wrists and taken to jail.

Boy Scout Troop 291 is "absolutely broke, says Scout Master, Chris Lee, all the boys' hard work has been lost." The boys are truly devastated and cannot understand why this has happened, are they too young to understand that bad things happen to good folks too? In these tough times people are desperate, but come on, rob children? The Boy Scouts are thrifty and kind, but give me a break.

In an attempt to rescue the Troop the Lodi community steps up to the plate. The Lodi community never ceases to amaze me as the call of duty is presented to them once more. An outpouring of support is coming forward as Businesses and banks are lending their support. Umpqua Bank is accepting donations and you can help by sending in a donation to Umpqua Bank, 89 Lakewood Mall, Lodi, CA. 95242. A&W hamburger restaurant will have the 291 Troop serving and cleaning up on Wednesday the 3^rd. of March from 4-8pm. If you want to help with a buck or two go by there and have a fine meal.

Source: Lodi News Sentinel, KCRA-3 News.