Murrysville woman accused of cashing stolen checks over five weeks
MURRYSVILLE, PA — A woman who helped an acquaintance move after the sale of her home is now accused of stealing her checkbook and cashing 46 checks worth a combined $43,780, according to Murrysville Police.
Police charged Patricia Lucas, 68, with theft by unlawful taking Tuesday following an investigation that began in mid-August.
The victim contacted detectives after discovering her checkbook was missing and money had allegedly been taken from her account.
She told investigators she suspected an acquaintance who had recently helped her move.
Police said they obtained copies of the cashed checks and found they had been made payable to Patricia Lucas or James Lucas with similar signatures.
Investigators counted 46 checks cashed between July 8 and Aug. 10.
Together, the checks totaled $43,780, according to police.
The victim told detectives that Lucas was an acquaintance who had helped her move after she sold her house.
After discovering the missing money, the victim contacted Lucas through a message, according to police.
Police allege Lucas responded that she intended to repay the money and had hoped to return it before the victim discovered it was missing.
Lucas was charged and arraigned Tuesday.
Murrysville Police did not provide additional information in the release about James Lucas, and the announcement did not state that he had been charged.
The charge against Patricia Lucas is an accusation. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Murrysville Police charged Patricia Lucas, 68, with theft by unlawful taking Tuesday.
- Police allege 46 stolen checks totaling $43,780 were cashed between July 8 and Aug. 10.
- The victim told police Lucas was an acquaintance who recently helped her move after she sold her home.
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