The Chehalis Police Department arrested a former Lewis County Museum employee Thursday after an investigation into the disappearance of money from an endowment fund established by the museum.

According to police, the investigation started in November.

Police said they booked Debbie Knapp, a former director of the museum, into the Lewis County Jail and charged Knapp with 10 counts of first-degree theft.

According to Chehalis police, a portion of the museum funds had been used to make purchases of personal items and services by an employee. Money was transferred from the endowment fund to a bank account with a debit card. Also, additional paychecks were allegedly issued and signed by Knapp.

The Chehalis PD said the current amount of suspected fraudulent usage of funds is in excess of $100,000.

Police are currently investigating the years 2008-2011 and will continue to investigate 2006 and 2007. At this time, police do not suspect any other individuals associated with the museum were involved with the case.