Johnston Woman Charged With Stealing From Employer's Bank Account

A Johnston woman was arrested Thursday on charges of using her company's computer for fraudulent purposes. 

Dana L. Collins, 23, of 166 Morgan Ave., Johnston, was arrested on Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. at her home by members of the State Police Financial Crimes Unit. She was charged with larceny over $1,500, uttering and publishing, and access to a computer for fraudulent purposes. 

The State Police Financial Crimes Unit investigation began in September 2012.

Collins, a former employee of Metro Motor Group, was the personal assistant to the company president. As such, she was responsible for managing his personal bank accounts as well as his real estate business accounts.

An audit of these accounts revealed that since 2009, Collins was allegedly making unauthorized payments on her personal bills from her employer’s bank account, as well as allegedly issuing checks to either cash or directly to herself without authorization.

Over the course of three years, Collins allegedly made $197,518.93 in unauthorized payments and withdrawals for personal use.

Collins was arraigned at Third District Court before Judge J. Terence. She was released on $10,000 personal recognizance.