Pine Creek Township woman accused of defrauding woman of $15,500

PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP, PA – Pine Creek Township police have arrested a township resident and accused her of using a woman’s credit card for over $15,500 in credit card purchases. The accused is Kathy M. Lachat, age 60, the victim a 72-year-old female.

Police released word on Tuesday that that on Friday of last week they arrested Lachat, based on their investigation that began in December of 2022. She has been charged with 185 counts of identity theft, 2 counts of access device fraud, 1 count of financial exploitation of an older adult, 2 counts of theft by unlawful taking and 2 counts of receiving stolen property, along with 2 counts of access device fraud.

Police said in December the guardian of the 72-year-old female victim reported to police suspicious activity on the victim’s bank and credit card statements. The guardian reported that Lachat had been friends with the victim since early 2020 and was at the victim’s residence almost daily. Lachat would be trusted to do grocery shopping for the victim and run errands, police said.

Through the investigation, authorities allege, it was discovered that beginning in mid-2020 Lachat would use the victims card to purchase items for the victim and do a second transaction to purchase items for herself. It is alleged that while Lachat was in possession of the victims card Lachat would use it to make other personal purchases for herself at numerous locations and on somedays numerous transactions in a single day. Video surveillance was obtained on many of the transactions and Lachat was allegedly observed in the videos using the victim’s card to purchase items for herself. On numerous occasions police said,, Lachat was observed in the videos using the victim’s card to purchase lottery tickets. Lachat was transported to the Clinton County Correctional Facility and was detained on a probation violation detainer and arraigned on the fraud-related charges. Lachat was arraigned by District Judge Keith Kibler and bail was set at $10,000 monetary. Lachat was unable to post bail and committed to the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://clinton.crimewatchpa.com/pinecreekpd/133270/arrests/lachat-kathy-m-2-count-4106a1i-access-device-fraud-f3-and-5-additional-charges