Realtors Association Notifies Members of Suspected Theft

BOARDMAN, Ohio – A key employee of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors has been placed on leave while a police investigation is underway into the suspected theft of as much as $100,000 from the organization.

According to an incident report filed July 9 with the Boardman Police Department, Susan Flipovich, president of YCAR’s board of directors, “stated that she suspects that a current and former employee have taken $20,000 to $100,000 in funds” from the organization. The situation was discovered “in bank statements from various banks dating from July of 2015 until today’s date,” states the report.

YCAR members were notified of the situation Monday in an email from Filipovich.

“At the board’s request, the Boardman Police Department is investigating recently discovered irregularities regarding certain YCAR financial operations and accounts. Pending this investigation, employee Jessica Perry has been placed on administrative suspension,” the email stated. “The board will keep you informed of the reportable outcome of the Boardman Police Department’s investigation.”

Contacted by this morning, Filipovich referred The Business Journal to attorney Brian Ridder, who noted the police report is public record. A YCAR employee has been placed on “administrative suspension,” he confirmed. “Because of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, I can’t say anything more at this point,” he said.

YCAR’s office, 5404 Market St., was closed for three days while a forensic audit was conducted, sources say. It has since reopened for business.

States Filipovich in her email, “Members should be assured that the appropriate steps have been taken to secure YCAR assets, records and software, and YCAR business operations and services will continue as usual.”

The Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors is composed of 585 real estate agents  and affiliated organizations.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.