The Hearthstone Historic House Museum in Appleton, August 9, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Former Hearthstone Historic House Museum treasurer Steven Jahnke admitted he stole about $70,000 from the facility, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday.
Jahnke, 67, faces one count of theft in a business setting. An initial appearance is scheduled for March 17.
According to the criminal complaint, board members became suspicious of transactions apparently not related to museum operations, including cruises, vacation travel and vehicle repair. Additionally, some accounts deposited through the community foundation were depleted, despite having a restricted status.
Further investigation found improper spending, such as property taxes for Jahnke’s residence, items ordered from Amazon sent to Jahnke’s home and others.
After a review of the financial accounts, suspicious expenditures in 2023 and 2024 of $70,792.32 were identified.
“Jahnke stated he had served as treasurer for six to seven years, was responsible for deposits and paying bills, and at times, confused his personal cards with the museum’s card, asserting he reimbursed the museum in such cases, but did not provide specific instances,” the complaint states. “Jahnke further admitted, “I did embezzle funds to pay for my own expenses,” and said he planned restitution.”
“Based on the investigation, officers identified approximately $69,000.00 in withdrawals from the Hearthstone FCCU account between 2019 and 2025 attributable to Jahnke and documented that the funds were expended for Jahnke’s personal expenses without authorization from the board or executive director,” the complaint states.
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