An employee at a timeshare business in the Slate Belt is accused of stealing more than $89,000 from the business over two years.

Denise Riker, of Pennsylvania Avenue in Pen Argyl, was charged Wednesday with 46 counts of forgery, as well as single counts of theft and tampering with records.

The 50-year-old Riker is free on $200,000 unsecured bail.

Riker's attorney, P. Christopher Cotturo declined to comment about the case at this time.

Dawn R. Miller, the owner and broker at Timeshare Oasis in Wind Gap, said Riker started working at the business in May 2014, and was the business administrator.

But Miller said her family was longtime friends with Riker and her husband Dennis, superintendent of Nazareth Area School District, years before Denise Riker started working for her.

"She was a well-trusted employee," Miller said.

Miller was shocked when the thefts were discovered.

The business lost money, but "I've lost a friend too," she said, adding she feels compassion for the Riker family and worries about how the news will affect them.

Police said the thefts were discovered last September, but the forged checks began in October 2015.

Riker allegedly forged her name on checks and cashed them, netting more than $89,000, police said.

Miller said she was frustrated because the timeshare business is often disparaged because of unsavory characters, but Timeshare Oasis works hard and honestly for its clients.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.