Federal authorities have charged a Pennsylvania credit union board member with allegedly taking more than $1 million from an elderly woman and using the money to buy a hunting lodge in Kentucky and other personal purchases, according to PennLive.
Here's what to know
Authorities alleged that Susquehanna Valley Federal Credit Union board member William D. Brenner, 62, of Dover, took money from an elderly woman.
Those accusations led a federal grand jury to indict him on wire fraud and unlawful monetary transaction charges, according to PennLive.
The outlet reported that Brenner allegedly "led [the woman] to believe that the funds would be placed in an investment account," with fixed returns over a two-year period.
More background
On Aug. 6, the Department of Justice issued a press release about the indictment, detailing the allegations further.
"Brenner also allegedly forged an agreement that appeared to show the elderly woman and her power of attorney authorizing him to use the money to purchase the commercial property, which is located in Caneyville, Kentucky," it read in part.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"Brenner allegedly created this forgery by using authentic signatures that he obtained from the elderly woman and her power of attorney on a different document."
According to the DOJ, the funds were then appropriated "for his own and his family members' benefit," including the alleged purchase of commercial property, a skid steer, a Dodge Ram pickup truck, and "other tools and motorized equipment."
"By September 2021, Brenner allegedly depleted almost all of the funds from the account," the DOJ's press release stated.
His time on the board of the Camp Hill-based Susquehanna Valley Federal Credit Union lasted from 2016 through 2022, and he became the board's secretary in 2017.
What's being done?
The case is being prosecuted in federal court on charges of wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions.
"Brenner convinced the woman, born in 1936, and her daughter that he could offer them a better investment opportunity than her options at that time," the DOJ said in its press release.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
