(WAUPUN) A Lomira woman accused of taking nearly $19,000 meant for Waupun student athletes stood before a judge Monday for the first time.
Sarah Kretschmer, 49, made her initial appearance Feb. 23 in Dodge County Circuit Court on a charge of felony theft in a business setting. A judge set a $1,500 signature bond and scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 2.
Prosecutors say Kretschmer stole $18,650 from the Waupun Athletic Booster Club through its Scrip gift card program.
The case began Dec. 11, 2025, when Waupun police received a complaint about financial discrepancies in the club’s bank account. The club’s treasurer noticed irregularities and contacted officers to start an investigation.
Investigators determined the losses were tied to stolen Scrip gift cards. The program allows supporters to buy gift cards for local businesses, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Waupun Area School District athletic programs.
According to the criminal complaint, Kretschmer was serving as the club’s Scrip sales manager at the time. Authorities allege she used her position at Waupun Jr./Sr. High School to take, conceal and use the gift cards for personal expenses without the club’s consent.
Police said Kretschmer later admitted during an interview that she had taken the cards.
The Waupun Police Department has described the case as an isolated incident and encouraged continued community support for the booster club. Kretschmer is no longer associated with the club or the Waupun School District.
