What started as a bookkeeping headache at Brookfield's American Legion Post 449 has turned into a criminal case. A former treasurer for the post appeared in court this week, accused of siphoning more than $46,000 from the veteran organization over several years. Prosecutors say the withdrawals happened between February 2018 and June 2024 and involved unauthorized ATM withdrawals and checks written to "cash." After an initial court appearance, the defendant was released on a $5,000 signature bond and is scheduled to return to court next month, as reported by the FOX6 News Milwaukee.
Prosecutors File Theft and Identity Charges
According to FOX6 News Milwaukee, Waukesha County prosecutors have charged 72-year-old Darlene Baczek with theft and unauthorized use of an entity's identifying information. Prosecutors allege Baczek was serving as the post's treasurer, had exclusive access to the group's bank account, and used that access to withdraw funds without authorization. FOX6 reports that the criminal complaint and related court records form the backbone of the case.
Checks Cashed "To the Order of Cash"
As detailed by CBS 58, investigators who went through the post's banking records tallied about $43,476.81 in what they describe as unauthorized cashed checks, along with roughly $3,060 in ATM withdrawals. That adds up to a total loss of $46,536.81. The complaint states that many checks were written "Pay to the Order of Cash" in amounts ranging from $50 to $2,500, and that signatures of former post presidents were used without their knowledge. According to CBS 58, the current post president contacted police last August after discovering that the bank balance did not match the group's internal records.
Post Members Fear for the Hall
For a small, volunteer-run post that leans on events and kitchen sales to keep the lights on, the alleged loss is no small hit. "We have to try to run this place, and now we have to figure out what we're going to do," member Donna Feller told FOX6 News Milwaukee. Post leaders say they remain hopeful the money can be recovered and have promised to keep members updated as the criminal case moves through the courts.
Charges, Penalties and Next Steps
CBS 58 notes that the theft and identity-related charges carry potential penalties of up to six years in prison or a $10,000 fine if Baczek is convicted. WISN 12 reports she is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 15 for a preliminary hearing. At that hearing, prosecutors are expected to present the criminal complaint and supporting financial records. Any questions about restitution or civil remedies would be handled separately from the criminal proceedings.
In the meantime, Post 449 is trying to keep everyday operations afloat while an investigation hangs over its books and its volunteers. Future court hearings and additional filings are likely to spell out how the withdrawals allegedly happened and whether the post has a realistic shot at recouping the money it says it lost, a key question for keeping the hall open to the veterans who rely on it.
