Woman accused of ripping off sorority

KINGSTON, R.I. (WPRI) – A North Attleboro woman was arrested on Monday for embezzling money from a University of Rhode Island sorority house.

Troopers arrested Tanya McGinn, 40, for embezzlement over $1,500 and obtaining money under a false pretense.

Police say the arrest was a result of an investigation which showed that McGinn had embezzled a total of $165,842 from the Alpha Phi sorority over a six-year period.

She was formerly a member, and has been a volunteer there for years.

The sorority's executive director, Linda Kahangi, released the following statement:

"Alpha Phi is disappointed to acknowledge the arrest of Tanya McGinn Paolo, a former volunteer, suspected of embezzling funds from Alpha Phi’s local housing corporation at the University of Rhode Island. Because Ms. Paolo’s actions are contrary to Alpha Phi’s policies and values, her membership with the organization has been terminated."

She was arraigned in Superior Court and released on bail.