A Schuylkill County man says a woman he hired as a dog sitter ripped him off by stealing his bank info and using his money to pay her bills.
Jessica Miller, 44, of Shamokin, is now facing misdemeanor theft and receiving stolen property charges.
The alleged victim told State Police last January that he hired Miller to be his dog sitter and stay with his dogs as needed.
While he was out and his dogs in her care, he said his checkbook was left in his house. He suspects Miller took his bank routing and account numbers and then used that info to make bill payments for herself.
The victim reportedly told police that he noticed money was missing from his account through his online bank statement. He said he consulted with his financial institution and identified three fraudulent payments made from his account.
Miller is suspected of making those fraudulent payments, totaling $358.23. Payments were made to Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority, a Visa bill, and Aqua for water service.
She is currently serving a two-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to similar charges on Dec. 18.
Last year, Miller allegedly used the bank info for her place of employment, a veterinary office, to pay similar bills. Miller had been on a track to becoming a manager at the business but failed to pass a 90-day probationary process and had been fired.
A preliminary hearing in the newest case against Miller is scheduled for April 7.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...