Staff report

The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley has a new executive director, at least temporarily, after Stacie Bacorn resigned after her guilty plea earlier this week in Stark County Common Pleas Court to a felony theft charge.

Court records show Bacorn pleaded guilty to a bill of information, which bypasses the grand jury process, and was referred to the court’s theft intervention program. The judge said if she completes the program, the charge will be dismissed and her record will be expunged.

The plea was the result of Bacorn admitting to stealing nearly $7,000 from the YWCA of Alliance, where she was prior to being hired by the ASMV in November. Board president Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer was appointed interim director until a replacement for Bacorn is found.

Court records also show Bacorn paid $6,966 in restitution on Tuesday, which is the same day she entered her plea. A YWCA spokeswoman said Bacorn used the organization’s credit cards for personal purchases, failed to turn over cash donations, lied about work-related travel and submitted false reimbursement requests.

Heschmeyer said there’s no reason to believe there was any financial impropriety during Bacorn’s time with the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley. However, the financial committee is conducting an internal audit out of an “abundance of caution.”

Bacorn served as executive director for more than six months.

ASMV Vice President Jodi Glass will assume the role of board president.

“This news is deeply disappointing, especially given the trust and integrity upon which our organization is built,” Cika Heschmeyer said in an emailed statement. “While these actions did not occur during her time with the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, our board believes strongly in transparency, accountability, and the continued confidence of the families and supporters we serve. Our mission — and the families who depend on us — come first.”

The ASMV held its sixth annual Mahoning Valley Warriors fundraiser — its largest of the year — May 31 at the Canfield Fairgrounds. It raised $82,000, which was about $8,000 more than its $75,000 goal.