Cleveland Press

Prosecutors say she began forging requests, taking the cash and signing off for the team. Over time, she kept changing documents on accounts to cover others, Mosbrook said.

A Westlake woman faces up to five years in prison after admitting to stealing $173,000 from Cleveland State University. Gayle Schmitz, 46, pleaded guilty in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to one count of theft in office.

Schmitz was hired as a cashier in 2007, began stealing money in July of 2008. Schmitz was in charge of athletic accounts in the treasurer’s office and one of her responsibilities was to give money to coaches after they submitted a request for travel expenses.

Prosecutors assert she began forging requests, keeping the cash and signing off for the team. She had been changing documents on accounts to cover up any discrepancies.

In 2010, a co-worker reported Schmitz because she suspected her to be stealing money. An officer surveillance camera and an audit caught her red handed.

Schmitz was placed on administrative leave in December and unpaid leave in January when she was indicted. She resigned in February.