On June 5, 2023 the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department was contacted by the Area Agency on Aging to advise that a known victim had approximately $25,843.36 removed from her bank account and that she was facing eviction due to lack of funds.
Sugarcreek Police conducted an interview with the known victim and received written and verbal statements as well as banking records for the known victim. Officers also conducted interviews with the suspects.
Lucinda Irwin, 63, and Christina Vanhorn, 39, both of Franklin, had received the debit card of the known victim with the agreement that the card would be used to pay specific bills and be used for specific purposes. Lucinda Irwin and Christina Vanhorn then used the card at multiple establishments, food places, ATM withdrawals, online gambling, and other places and spent approximately $25,843.36 in unauthorized manners.
Lucinda Irwin and Christina Vanhorn are both charged with the following:
Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Care Dependent Person – Felony 3
Conspiracy to Commit Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Care Dependent Person – Felony 3
Theft by Unlawful Taking – Felony 3
Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Unlawful Taking – Felony 3
Access Device Fraud – Felony 3
Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud – Felony 3
Charges were filed through Magistrate Kirtland’s office.