Delaware News

Department of Justice Investigation Leads to Indictment and Arrest of Sussex County Couple for Stealing From Homeowners’ Association

Consumer Protection | Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2016



Following an investigation by the Department of Justice’s Common Interest Community Ombudsperson and DOJ’s Consumer Protection Unit, Jessica McGinnis, 33, and her husband David, 50, both of Bridgeville, were arrested in connection with theft from the Morningside Village Homeowners’ Association after being indicted by a grand jury.

Unpaid bills to maintain the community sewage system led to the investigation. Bank records show money deposited into a fund for the system maintenance was instead depleted by checks written to Mr. and Ms. McGinnis, for a total amount of $20,167.63. Ms. McGinnis, took over as secretary/treasurer of the association in 2012. Each face four counts of Second Degree Conspiracy and Theft Greater than $1,500.

“This theft deprived an entire community of needed funds for maintenance. This thorough investigation is proof that we take complaints about homeowners’ associations and communities seriously, and will prosecute those who abuse the trust of their neighbors,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “I want to thank Deputy Attorney General Christopher Curtin who is our Common Interest Community Ombudsperson, and Deputy Attorney General Stephen McDonald for their hard work.”

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Department of Justice Investigation Leads to Indictment and Arrest of Sussex County Couple for Stealing From Homeowners’ Association

Consumer Protection | Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2016



Following an investigation by the Department of Justice’s Common Interest Community Ombudsperson and DOJ’s Consumer Protection Unit, Jessica McGinnis, 33, and her husband David, 50, both of Bridgeville, were arrested in connection with theft from the Morningside Village Homeowners’ Association after being indicted by a grand jury.

Unpaid bills to maintain the community sewage system led to the investigation. Bank records show money deposited into a fund for the system maintenance was instead depleted by checks written to Mr. and Ms. McGinnis, for a total amount of $20,167.63. Ms. McGinnis, took over as secretary/treasurer of the association in 2012. Each face four counts of Second Degree Conspiracy and Theft Greater than $1,500.

“This theft deprived an entire community of needed funds for maintenance. This thorough investigation is proof that we take complaints about homeowners’ associations and communities seriously, and will prosecute those who abuse the trust of their neighbors,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “I want to thank Deputy Attorney General Christopher Curtin who is our Common Interest Community Ombudsperson, and Deputy Attorney General Stephen McDonald for their hard work.”

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.