A Rochester woman faces multiple felonies after authorities say she spent more than $4,000 from a Boy Scout Troop.
Melissa Lynn Neumann, 40, was charged by summons Monday with three counts of felony financial transaction card fraud, two counts of felony theft and one count of gross misdemeanor theft. Her first appearance in Olmsted County District Court is set for Aug. 8.
The investigation began last Aug. 8, when three adults affiliated with the troop went to police. They said an accountant had reviewed the troop's account to help determine legitimate charges, leading them to believe Neumann made 36 unauthorized charges from April 2013 until March 2015, the complaint says.
Neumann allegedly made the purchases at Rochester businesses while giving positive account reports at meetings. The reports were not reflective of the actual amount in the account, court documents say; the statements were mailed directly to Neumann's home.
She told investigators she began to use the troop debit card to purchase groceries for her family when her husband lost his job, the complaint says, then used it "numerous times over the next two years for personal use."
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Neumann reportedly failed to deposit about $200 in cash in 2014, money from the troop selling wreaths and honey.
The total loss is $4,025.04.
