Special Olympics organizer charged with lying about thefts

May 03--BEAVER FALLS -- The alleged theft of more than 600 medals reserved for Special Olympics athletes wasn't a theft at all, but a lie perpetrated by the team organizer who never had the medals to begin with, police said.

According to a Beaver Falls police release, Beaver County Special Olympics team manager Dena Timper made a false report to officers when she said between 600 and 700 medals, a slew of ribbons and other equipment were stolen from the Geneva College football stadium after a track-and-field competition.

Timper, 50, told police that on April 26, she took the box of medals, ribbons, running sheets and equipment to the college to store overnight in preparation for an event the next day. When she returned on the morning of April 27, everything was missing, and she reported the alleged theft to officers.

Additionally, Timper provided police with an order form for the medals that officers later learned had been altered.

According to the police release, "it was found that Timper never ordered the medals from the company and was not in possession" of them.

Police believe that none of the items was actually stolen and that Timper lied when she said she took them to Geneva.

Shortly after the theft was reported, Timper told The Times she was "heartbroken" to discover the awards had been taken. She said she and other volunteers worked all weekend to put together other awards and fill out necessary paperwork. She said donations from area businesses and Special Olympic organizations in surrounding counties were being made to the Beaver County team.

"These athletes are my life," Timper told The Times. "It's a heinous crime. Anyone that would do that is ridiculous."

Timper also said the organization was missing stop watches, softballs, tape measures, tennis balls and walkie talkies. Police said they believe that is untrue.

According to Beaver Falls police, Timper, of Beaver Falls, is facing charges of lying to police and making a false report.

Officials at the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania did not return a call requesting comment.

___

(c)2018 the Beaver County Times (Beaver, Pa.)

Visit the Beaver County Times (Beaver, Pa.) at www.timesonline.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.