Man Convicted for Stealing over $318,000 from Matthews Children's Theatre

John Hurst

John Willis Hurst, 51, plead guilty to eight felony counts of Embezzlement before Judge Hugh B. Lewis.  Hurst embezzled over $318,000 from the Matthews Playhouse between 2002 and 2009 while volunteering as Treasurer. The Matthews Playhouse is a non-profit children’s theatre.  Hurst admitted that he forged signatures on Matthews Playhouse checks in order to pay his credit card bills, insurance bills and other personal expenses.

John Hurst will be imprisoned for an initial period of 12-16 months. Upon release, Hurst will be placed on 5 years of supervised probation. During the term of probation, Hurst will be required to make minimum monthly payments of $1,500 in an effort to make restitution to the victim in the total amount of $232,486.  To date, Hurst has paid $86,000 in restitution. If Hurst violates the terms of his probation, a judge may revoke it and order Hurst serve an additional 36-48 months in prison.