Poplar Bluff man accused of stealing from theater production group

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A warrant has been issued for Poplar Bluff man accused of stealing more than $15,000 from The Stage Company over the last two years.

Ronald Gilliland, 62, of the 500 block of North Main Street was charged Tuesday with felony stealing by Butler County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Paul Oesterreicher.

After reviewing the complaint and probable cause statement filed with the court, Associate Circuit Judge John Bloodworth issued a warrant for Gilliland's arrest and set his bond at $10,000. Gilliland had not been arrested by press time Thursday.

The complaint alleges between Feb. 17, 2009, and Jan. 12, Gilliland appropriated cash money, of a value of at least $500, from The Stage Company and did so without The Stage Company's consent. The group produces theater events in Poplar Bluff, commonly using the Rodgers Theatre as the venue.

The charge stems from an investigation by the Poplar Bluff Police Department, which began on Feb. 14 when David Carroll, president of The Stage Company's board of directors, "reported approximately $15,540.51 of unauthorized transactions [had been] made on The Stage Company bank account," Detective Leigh Morgan said in her probable cause statement.

According to Carroll's statement, Gilliland was appointed treasurer in August 2009.

"A list of 81 unauthorized transactions were made beginning Feb. 17, 2009, through Jan. 12, 2011," Morgan said. "These transactions were made up of checks written to cash, checks written to Ronald Gilliland, [automatic-teller machine] withdrawals and debit card use.

"The checks were signed and endorsed 'Ronald Gilliland.'"

As part of the investigation, Morgan said, Gilliland was contacted on Feb. 15.

After being told of his rights, Gilliland "admitted to taking money from The Stage Company funds for personal use," Morgan said. "He said it was necessary due to a difficult financial situation."

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, MO