Last Wednesday, charges were filed in Monroe County Circuit Court against Melissa A. Hunter, 52, of Waterloo, who stands accused of felony theft involving a house of worship.

The filing alleges Hunter “exerted unauthorized control over funds” of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Valmeyer in an amount greater than $10,000 but less than $100,000, which is a Class 1 felony.

The charging document indicates these funds were taken on Sept. 1, 2020, “through a continuing course of conduct.”

Hunter was previously employed as a dispatcher with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

She was granted pretrial release during an April 17 court hearing.

A preliminary hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 27 at the Monroe County Courthouse in Waterloo.