A Lake Elmo woman went on a $75,000 personal spending spree with money belonging to Tubman, a Minneapolis-based domestic abuse and mental health organization, according to charges filed in Washington County District Court.

Catherine Mary Anton, 43, bought gift cards, sports equipment, a lawn mower, laminate flooring, two notebook computers and other items and services on four credit cards in Tubman's name, the charges said. The nonprofit was formerly known as Tubman Family Alliance (TFA).

Anton, who was an accounts payable specialist for Tubman, was charged Monday with felony theft by swindle. She allegedly made hundreds of purchases between December 2007 and November 2010.

"Defendant stated she was disappointed that outside people had to be brought into the situation and that she wanted to reimburse TFA for the unauthorized expenditures," the complaint said.

Records show that Anton allegedly made 395 transactions totaling $57,638.81 on a credit card at Sam's Club in Woodbury. Items included gasoline, a trampoline, gardening equipment and a television, the complaint said.

She was fired from her job at Tubman's Maplewood office soon after it was discovered the money was missing, Tubman spokesman Mike Stephenson said Tuesday.

Anton was summoned to appear in court Jan. 4.

KEVIN GILES