Crimestoppers president, V.P. accused of embezzling

The president and vice president of Montgomery County Crimestoppers have been arrested and accused of embezzlement from the crime-fighting organization.

Amanda Dawn Serna, 26, and Julie Rae Perkins, 42, both of Red Oak, were arrested Friday on charges of on-going criminal conduct following a joint investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Red Oak Police Department.

At the time of Friday’s arrests, approximately $3,200 was missing from Montgomery County Crimestoppers, according to a sheriff’s office report. Crimestoppers is an organization that oversees and distributes award money to individuals who provide information that can assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes. Serna was the acting president and Perkins the vice president. Both were acting as co-treasurers of the organization. All remaining Crimestoppers property and funds have been secured by the sheriff’s office and police department.