Bristol Twp. Employee Charged With Misappropriating Funds

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — The township's former parks and recreation director has been dismissed from her position after being charged with misappropriating funds, officials said.

Bristol Township officials said Wednesday that Jessica Ireland was arrested by police on charges related to the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Ireland is no longer employed by Bristol Township, officials said.

Officials said the township has cooperated fully with the investigation and will continue to do so.

"The Township takes these allegations seriously," officials said. "Public funds must be handled with care, transparency, and accountability."

In 2025, township management identified concerns related to account activity.

Officials said they reviewed the activity, addressed the issue, and referred it to law enforcement.

Last September, the township hired a new finance officer to review its financial internal controls and strengthen procedures for account oversight, purchasing, and monitoring to prevent similar issues.

Township officials said they enacted multiple new standard operating procedures to safeguard taxpayer funds.

Officials said they would not provide further comment since it's an active legal matter.