Meechan sentenced for grand theft from Harrison County church

Dianna Meechan appeared in Harrison County Common Pleas Court on one count of grand theft, a fourth-degree felony.

Meechan was accused in March of taking funds from a church where she had served as treasurer since early 2023. According to court documents, the church’s pastor discovered the issue after learning the church was delinquent on its power bill — and several other bills as well.

An internal review revealed multiple unauthorized purchases made with the church’s credit card, to which Meechan had full access. When confronted, Meechan initially denied the allegations, prompting the pastor to file charges.

Meechan later confessed to law enforcement that she had made several unauthorized purchases on the church’s card, including jewelry, pet supplies and payment of her personal internet bill. She claimed some of the purchases were gifts for the pastor and his wife, but investigators confirmed that the couple never received any of the items.

“We’re here today for further proceedings,” Judge Shawn Hervey said. “It’s the court’s understanding that the parties have come to a negotiated plea agreement.”

Under that agreement, Meechan was sentenced to two years of community-based control, 40 hours of community service and restitution totaling just over $13,000.

“My client would note for the record that she has made a payment of $1,000 toward the restitution,” said Meechan’s attorney, Jenna Hoakes.

Hervey reviewed Meechan’s constitutional rights and confirmed that she wished to enter a guilty plea. He then sentenced her according to the agreement, adding a 17-month reserved prison sentence in case of violations of the community-based control conditions.

“I understand that she has health issues; we are going to work around that,” Hervey said, referring to the community service requirement. “See if we can find something, or she can find something that fits the requirements.”

Hervey also reserved the right to impose consecutive sentencing for any future violations.