Police accuse Waynesburg woman of theft
Waynesburg police have accused a Waynesburg woman of stealing more than $52,000 from a 90-year-old woman.
Police allege that Kathy M. Cooke, 47, used a bank card that belonged to Emma Taylor without her authorization to make withdrawals and multiple purchases in Greene and Washington counties.
Police said among other places, Cooke spent more than $7,000 at Walmart and about $1,718 from Sheetz.
Police did not identify how the women were acquainted.
The complaint said the alleged withdrawals and purchases were confirmed through bank statements, surveillance photos, receipts and by Cooke herself.
Police allege that when Cooke was interviewed on three separate occasions, she never denied using the bank card from First Federal Savings and Loan.
The complaint said Cooke told police that she had permission from Taylor to use the bank card.
Police allege that during the course of the investigation, Cooke confessed to using between one to three thousand dollars of Taylor’s money to gamble and buy cigarettes without her permission. Police said when Cooke was asked if she had any remorse about using Taylor’s money, Cooke allegedly answered “no.”
According to court documents, Cooke was charged with 185 counts of access device fraud, 185 counts of theft and 185 counts of receiving stolen property.
Cooke was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Louis M. Dayich, who set bond at $25,000 unsecured.
Cooke’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 before Dayich.