VISTA, Calif. -- A former volunteer bookkeeper accused of stealing thousands of dollars from several Girl Scout troops in North County over an 18-month period pleaded not guilty Monday to a pair of felony charges, including grand theft.

Janet Daily, 36, was carrying $1,000 when she was arrested on Nov. 22 in Encinitas, said sheriff's Sgt. Mark Varnau.

Daily, who oversaw the bank accounts of Girl Scout troops in Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe for seven years, allegedly told authorities that she had been taking the money because of financial difficulties but planned to return it.

Coordinators discovered $9,000 missing from their coffers after Daily announced she was leaving the organization and moving out of state, Varnau said.

A moving van and several boxes packed with family belongings was at Daily's home when deputies arrived, Varnau said.

Daily -- free on $30,000 bail -- faces anywhere from probation to a maximum of three years in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Kate Flaherty.

Besides grand theft, the defendant is charged with fraudulent appropriation by an employee.

Vista Judge Adrienne Orfield scheduled a readiness conference for Jan. 8 and a preliminary hearing for Feb. 9.