A Carrolltown woman, Stacey M. Eckenrode, 48, was arrested Tuesday and charged with numerous theft-related offenses, amounting to over $200,000 in stolen funds from an Ebensburg business, according to authorities.
The arrest follows an extensive investigation by Ebensburg Borough police into Eckenrode’s activities at Hometown Insurance. Police allege that Eckenrode, while employed at the company, made hundreds of unauthorized transactions using both credit and debit cards belonging to the business and its clients. Additionally, she is accused of forging over 100 checks and setting up unauthorized electronic payments for personal expenses.
Eckenrode also allegedly failed to properly handle funds taken into the business, as required. According to the investigation, her fraudulent actions began in December 2022 and continued through December 2024, with the total amount stolen exceeding $198,000.
Following her arrest, Eckenrode was arraigned before District Judge David Beyer and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. She faces 288 felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds. Additionally, she is charged with 119 felony counts of forgery and 163 counts of accessing a device without authorization.
Court records show that Eckenrode is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 13 before Judge Beyer.
