Two former officials of the union representing Bucks County police officers were arrested today and charged with misappropriating a total of $93,033 from the union's treasury.

Katherine A. Leese, 42, a Falls Township police officer and former union treasurer, and Gerald Conaway, 56, a retired officer from Southhampton who formerly served as union president, have been charged with theft, criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Both were arraigned this afternoon in Newtown, Bucks County. Leese was released on her on recognizance in lieu of $500,000 bail; Conaway was released on his own recognizance in lieu of $100,000 bail. A hearing was set for 2:30 p.m. Monday.

Michelle A. Henry, Bucks County district attorney, announced the arrests at a news conference this morning.

Conaway, charged with taking $5,500, was president of the Bucks County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 53, from 2002 to 2007. Leese, who became treasurer in 2006 and remained in that post in 2007, is charged with taking $87,533.

Both allegedly transferred funds to their personal bank accounts from a fund used for the union's charitable efforts, such as helping families of slain police officers. The thefts are alleged to have happened between February 2006 and June 2007.

Investigators said Leese told them she used the money to pay her mortgage and credit card bills. After today's arraignment, she said the money was a loan, which she was paying back. Conaway had no comment.

Current union president Mike Schmalz declined to comment at the news conference.