WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) — A former Wausau hair stylist has been charged with 38 counts of theft after allegedly defrauding her clients out of more than $36,000.
Jennifer Brooks, 40, remains in the Marathon County Jail on a $7,500 cash bond following an investigation that began in January 2023. Authorities say Brooks would ask clients for pre-payment before services or request money for urgent personal needs like bills and repairs. She also reportedly told clients their payments hadn’t gone through, even though they had.
Brooks operated Meraki Salon, formerly known as Meraki Salon and Tattoo, which she opened in 2018. According to court documents, Brooks exploited elements of urgency, sympathy, and friendship to deceive her clients, taking money from 42 individuals, one financial institution, and one financial app.
The criminal complaint outlines 463 fraudulent transactions, with 456 instances where Brooks intentionally took money with the intent to deprive her victims permanently. Investigators also said the financial institutions reimbursed victims a total of $695.
Three victims have expressed that they do not wish to press charges.
Brooks’ alleged scheme is detailed in an 87-page criminal complaint, including text and Facebook messages. She is scheduled for a clerical court appearance on April 16.
