MONTOURSVILLE, Penn. — A couple in Pennsylvania is facing theft charges and over $100,000 in overdraft fees after allegedly using money that was accidentally deposited into their bank account, WITN reports.
State police say the couple living at a home on Cypress Street in Montoursville got themselves into hot water after spending money that wasn’t theirs.
Investigators say Robert and Tiffany Williams had $120,000 deposited into their account at BB&T May 31 through a mistake by a teller.
But instead of contacting the bank about the deposit, the couple allegedly spent most of the money in two and a half weeks from June 3 to June 19.
Neighbors were stunned.
“That is kind of shocking. With all the procedures the banks have set up, checking and double-checking and triple-checking. There’s no way anybody gets away with that stuff,” said Nate Weaver, a neighbor.
State police say the couple bought an SUV, two four-wheelers, a camper and a car trailer.
Police say the money was also used on bills, car repairs, cash purchases.
They also allegedly gave $15,000 to friends in need of money.
“I’m not that dumb but some people do stupid things sometimes,” said Robert Painton, a neighbor.
Once the bank realized a mistake had been made, it transferred the $120,000 to the correct account.
The bank contacted Tiffany Williams on June 20 and told her the couple had to pay back the $107,000 in overdraft fees they incurred.
The bak called again June 21.
Tiffany said she and her husband would work out a payment plan.
Court papers show after those two initial phone calls from the bank, the couple had no contact with bank representatives, despite several attempts by the bank to reach them.
The couple is now facing felony theft charges.
A man at the Williams’ home said he was Robert’s father and had no idea what was going on.
Robert and Tiffany Williams were released on $25,000 bail.