CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A former executive director of the Appalachian Children’s Chorus was taken to jail Monday afternoon after being sentenced for embezzling $97,000 from the organization.
Jacqueline Holly Portillo, 51, of Hurricane, pleaded guilty in June to four counts of felony embezzlement. She took the money between March 2010 and August 2017 by falsifying bank accounts.
Her attorney sought home confinement and probation but Kanawha County Circuit Judge Dan Greear sentenced Portillo between one and 10 years in prison.
The Appalachian Children’s Chorus performs in Charleston and has also held performances throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The program also serves as an alternative for children to develop musical and thinking skills.
Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Miller said in a statement the future of the organization is in jeopardy.
“We hope the chorus will be able to continue its progress, but the theft has put a large dent in their ability to fulfill their mission,” he said.
Greear said Portillo’s conduct may have hurt a program which kept children away from drugs.