Cape Coral woman accused of stealing money paid to her for home purchase
A Cape Coral woman remained in the Lee County Jail Monday morning, accused of stealing money given to her for the purchase of a foreclosed home in Lehigh Acres.
Catherine Delaney 42, was charged Friday with grand theft from a person over 65 years of age and first degree scheme to defraud, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said in a prepared statement.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit began investigating Delaney after they received a complaint from a man who told investigators that he hired Delaney’s company to purchase the home and gave Delaney a check for $55,000.
The investigation discovered that after unsuccessfully bidding for the foreclosed home, the man requested his money back. Delaney refused to return the funds as she had cashed the victim’s check and used the money for her personal gain, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Bond has been set at $60,000, according to the jail website.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office