Ex-Harmony Press Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Large Theft

EASTON, PA—The former treasurer of Harmony Press has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $657,000 from the company, a move that prompted prosecutors to drop similar charges against her husband, The Express-Times reported.

Christina Russo used her position as treasurer of Harmony Press to forge checks to herself and her husband, Brian Russo. Police said she used a rubber stamp of company owner Stephen Grotenhuis' signature without his authorization to perpetrate the crimes.

Under the deal, Christina Russo pleaded guilty to theft and forgery. Prosecutors have agreed to drop charges of receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft against Brian Russo after Mrs. Russo is sentenced.

Russo wrote most of the checks out to her husband, totaling $593,500. The $657,000 figure, which was carefully reviewed, covered hundreds of checks.

Harmony Press also suffered because Christina Russo did not file important tax records during her stealing spree, according to The Express-Times.