LEBANON, Ohio -- A former church secretary-treasurer accused of stealing $210,000 from Mason United Methodist Church was indicted March 17 on a felony charge of aggravated theft.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, authorities said Diana Kembel, 45, of Hamilton Township, Ohio, spent one-third of the church's annual operating budget by writing checks to herself and by using the church's debit and credit cards to buy personal computers and household items.

The thefts occurred from January through September 2002, when Kembel was put on unpaid administrative leave after the church's pastor discovered the money was missing. She was fired in November.

Kembel faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Kembel attorney David Ernst declined to discuss why she took money from the church.

The church was insured for up to $5,000 for internal thefts, church spokesman Bill Mitchell said.

Church officials said they hired Kembel in 1999, but she was not a member of the congregation.

Asked if Kembel intended to reimburse the church, Ernst said: "We're working on it."

Despite the missing money, Mason United Methodist is not behind in paying bills and does not anticipate having to cut its mission programs, Mitchell said. Meanwhile, the congregation has pledged to give 40 to 50 percent more this year in contributions.

Members were aware the church was having financial troubles last fall, Mitchell said, though most were not aware of the theft until the Enquirer reported in mid-March.