Updated at 4:45 p.m. CST March 4

After a three-month investigation, the Ames Police have arrested and charged Carol Smalley, 38, with second-degree theft and fraudulent practices, police announced Friday. She is accused of taking money from the United Way of Story County, 303 Welch Ave.

According to an Ames Police report, an investigation into the organization’s finances revealed Smalley had taken $5,753.50 in 37 separate incidents from United Way between August 2002 and November 2004.

Smalley, 1209 Harding Ave., was the campaign and marketing coordinator for the organization. Her duties allowed her the opportunity to take money.

According to court records, Smalley was responsible for filling out deposit slips for cash and check donations that came into the organization and taking those slips to the bank.

“Daily, [Smalley] would receive cash or check donations, and it was her responsibility to tally this money and deposit it in the bank,” said Ames Police Cmdr. Randy Kessel.

Before she depostited the donation money, however, Kessel said Smalley would take cash from that pool and wait for a future check that would cover the same amount she had taken.

Kessel said Smalley would not make a deposit every day.

Ames Police were contacted after a complaint of fraudulent practices was made to the United Way of Story County Board of Directors.

“[United Way] conducted internal audits, and after they discovered financial discrepancies, they asked [Ames Police] to conduct our own audit in November,” he said.

Both charges are Class D felonies, which carry a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of at least $750 but no more than $7,500.