The Brief
Jennifer Rivera, a Lower Merion School Board member, is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 from her former employer.
The charges come after an internal review found unauthorized company credit card use and spending on personal items, vacations, and services, according to investigators.
The audit found Rivera spent $25,596.68 on Amazon and booked a Bahamas trip using more than $9,000 in company points.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. – A member of the Lower Merion School Board has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after authorities say she stole more than $50,000 from her former employer in Bala Cynwyd.
Business expenses flagged as personal spending at Bala Cynwyd company
Timeline
Jennifer Rivera’s former employer, SMB, reported her to Lower Merion Police in June 2026 after a financial review uncovered unusual charges to a company credit card and business Amazon account stretching back to September 2024.
The CEO and Senior Finance Director told investigators that Rivera, 41, used company funds for personal expenses, including $1,339 for Bar Mitzvah videography and photography, more than $25,000 for a family and friends’ vacation, and $25,596.68 on Amazon purchases such as clothing and bathroom accessories, investigators said.
Detectives said the total amount Rivera is accused of taking is $50,243.31.
The audit also showed she booked a future Bahamas trip for her family using company American Express reward points estimated at more than $9,000, which investigators say was unauthorized. Rivera turned herself in to Lower Merion Police on Monday.
What’s next
Rivera was arraigned and bail was set at $25,000 unsecured and ordered her to have no contact with anyone at SMB. She faces four counts of Theft by Deception, Receiving Stolen Property and Access Device Fraud, all third-degree felonies, authorities said.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 2.
The Source
Information from the Montgomery Couny District Attorney’s Office.