Cheryl R. Capela, 60, of Union City, Pennsylvania, bled her own town dry for years — writing borough checks to cover her personal credit card debt and charging luxury expenses on the government’s dime. The former Borough Secretary admitted in federal court to four counts of mail fraud, capping a three-year scheme that exploited public trust for personal gain.
Between July 2013 and July 2016, Capela used her position of authority to funnel public money into private accounts. With unrestricted access to Union City’s checks, she forged payments to credit card companies to cover her ballooning personal bills. She didn’t stop there — Capela also wielded the borough’s credit card like a personal wallet, racking up charges on items and services that had nothing to do with municipal business.
The fraud came to light after a financial review uncovered irregularities tied directly to Capela’s control over fiscal operations. Each time she signed a borough check or swiped the official card, she violated the oath of public service — all while taxpayers footed the bill. Federal prosecutors say the paper trail was clear, with mailed statements and bank records sealing her guilt.
Capela pleaded guilty before United States District Judge David S. Cercone, who will deliver her sentence on June 5, 2017. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Though actual time served will depend on federal sentencing guidelines and her criminal history, the case stands as a stark warning to public officials who treat taxpayer funds as their own.
Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced the plea as a win for accountability. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is handling prosecution, building the case with evidence gathered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI’s probe peeled back layers of deception, showing how Capela manipulated internal systems without oversight.
This isn’t just about stolen money — it’s about betrayal. Union City residents trusted Capela to manage their affairs with integrity. Instead, she treated public office like a piggy bank. Now, she faces the consequences in a federal courtroom where excuses won’t clear the tab.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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