The former treasurer of a Lancaster city social club was recently sentenced for stealing $123,000 – most of it donation funds headed for local charities and non-profit groups.

Linda J. Seibert was treasurer of 7^th Ward Republican Club on North Queen Street when she stole the funds between January 2012 and December 2014.

On Monday, Lancaster County Judge Jeffery Wright ordered a 9-to-23-month sentence – with the 9 months to be served on house-arrest – followed by three years of probation.

Seibert, 66, of Millersville, pleaded guilty in October to felony theft. She previously confessed to stealing the money – most of it earmarked for charities and non-profits – to support a gambling addiction.

She also was ordered to pay back the stolen money. She paid $10,000 on Monday, according to Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson, who prosecuted the case.

In court, Anderson requested a guideline sentence, which called for a minimum 6 months in prison. A representative of 7^th Ward Club also requested a prison term.

Anderson said the gambling addiction explains the criminal conduct, but doesn’t excuse it. Also, Anderson noted, Seibert didn’t seek treatment for the addiction until she was charged by police.

As part of the sentence, Seibert is banned from being at gambling locations.

Lancaster city police Detective Toby Hickey filed the charge.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us;                           Twitter: @BrettHambright