NORRISTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A western Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to stealing $371,000 from the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA), a nonprofit based in Plymouth Township, Montgomery County.
Michael Fantuzzo, 40, of Westmoreland County, pleaded guilty to felony theft by deception for stealing from the organization while he was treasurer from 2021 to 2025.
Fantuzzo repaid the $371,000, which he admitted to spending on limo services, a hot tub, a country club membership, and family vacations.
He was sentenced to 10 years of probation. Prosecutor Robert George said, considering the repayment, a lengthy supervision is appropriate.
“This wasn’t a theft that he was simply able to get away with,” said George. “It’s one that he crafted and that he manipulated to be able to get away with, and he actively put himself in that position of trust and defied it to his benefit.
“[The sentence] will allow Mr. Fantuzzo to be known as a thief rather than continue to blend in among the shadows and trusted communities as he had previously.”
Current and former board members of POTA testified that while they had protections in place to prevent fraud, Fantuzzo manipulated board members, turning them against each other to cover up his theft. They said it nearly destroyed the organization, forcing cuts to scholarships and professional development.
“It brings to a close an incredibly difficult period for our organization. A trusted officer has been held accountable for his unconscionable conduct,” said POTA Board President Jeanne Coviello. “We at the Pennsylvania OT Association are proud of the resilience of this organization, and we are rebuilding its strength.”
Nonprofit leaders said they were forced to cut scholarships and professional development
Nonprofit leaders said they were forced to cut scholarships and professional development
