Search warrant reveals nearly $85,000 missing from Carbondale YMCA

CARBONDALE, Pa. — Nearly $85,000 has gone missing over the past four years from the Greater Carbondale YMCA in Lackawanna County, according to a search warrant.

“We discovered instances of financial misconduct at the YMCA of Carbondale and contacted local authorities,” said Elizabeth Nagy, board member of the Greater YMCA of Carbondale.

The missing money was the subject of a more than month-long investigation by the Lackawanna County Prosecutor's Office. Police records obtained by Newswatch 16 indicate the prosecutor's office tracked the last four years of bank records linked to a former YMCA staff member.

From missing checks to missing donations, the search warrant claims more than $3,000 went missing in 2021. The amount of money missing increased each year until more than $40,000 went missing in the Y account 2023.

“It's just sickening, because everyone put their heart and soul into it, and they're still throwing their hearts and souls into it,” said Fred Aileo of Carbondale.

Former YMCA board member and Carbondale resident Fred Aileo was shocked to learn of the missing money. Especially since he and former board members worked for years to get the building to where it is today.

“I help with the youth basketball program at the YMCA and other things that go on there. It was a part of my life and I enjoyed it,” Aileo added.

“Someone has to find where this money went, and someone has to be held accountable. If we make a mistake or do something, someone has to pay,” David Hinds said.

Waymart's David Hinds says an investigation like this will leave a stain on the community.

“We try to believe that for the community and the city, and it’s supposed to be a good place,” Hinds said.

No arrests or criminal charges have yet been announced. As the investigation continues, Carbondale YMCA board members want to assure users and donors that their investment in the community will be protected.

“We are going to ensure that from now on everything is managed extremely appropriately here and everyone must have full confidence that any funds coming in through individual donors, through grants or other capacities are now all allocated appropriately,” Nagy added.

Over the past few months, there has been a shakeup in leadership at the Carbondale YMCA.

Board members say former chairman William Farber resigned earlier this year and, according to court documents, former executive director Jason Mackie resigned last month.