A former Schuylkill County funeral director has been charged with theft for allegedly taking a prepayment for a funeral and using the monies for his own purposes.

State police at Frackville charged William F. McDonald Jr., 43, of 403 W. Main St., Girardville, with one count each of theft by deception and theft by failing to make required disposition of funds received.Troopers said Lenore Breinich contacted McDonald in November 2007 to prepay for burial expenses upon her death.She passed away on Oct. 16, 2012.Gerald Breinich, 78, of Macungie, executor of Mrs. Breinich's will, attempted to contact McDonald to make funeral arrangements.He was unable to contact McDonald.Troopers said through an investigation they learned that McDonald accepted the check for $8,150 but never set up an account for the funds, but instead cashed the check and used the money for other purposes.Troopers said McDonald admitted to the offense. McDonald operated a funeral home in Girardville.State records show his license to practice has been revoked.McDonald was arraigned before District Judge Christina Hale, of Frackville, and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.A preliminary hearing is set for March 13 before Hale.