Woman accused of stealing Girl Scout cookie money turns self in

The woman accused of stealing the cookie proceeds from her daughter’s Girl Scout troop turned herself in Monday, according to East Point police.

MerTinya DeLoatch was arrested and charged with one count of felony theft by conversion, according to police. But the money DeLoatch allegedly took wasn’t returned because she told police she has already spent it.

DeLoatch served as the cookie money manager for her daughter's troop in East Point, but other parents reported her to police last week for allegedly pocketing the cash.

After selling 1,400 boxes, or $4,900 worth, of cookies, the troop was supposed to earn $700 — enough for badges, a banquet and a trip to an amusement park. But the troop didn’t get the money for its hard work, parents said.

On Friday, a spokeswoman for the Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the troop will get to have its banquet and make a trip to Six Flags after all.

“Through the support of Six Flags Over Georgia and a very generous donation from Reliable Heating and Air, the girls will be able to experience the benefits of attaining the goals they set with their cookie program by spending a day at Six Flags Over Georgia theme park and having their banquet,” Shana Davis said in emailed statement.

The Girl Scouts association is cooperating with police, Davis said.

DeLoatch was expected to be booked into the Fulton County jail Monday night, according to police.

WSBTV