Crime & Safety

Former Coopersburg Manager Charged with Fraud, Theft

Dawn Kresge, Coopersburg's former borough manager, is charged with access device fraud, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property after allegedly using a borough credit card to pay almost $15,000 in expenses.

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The Lehigh County District Attorney's office has charged former Coopersburg borough manager Dawn Kresge with access device fraud, theft by unlawful taking or disposition and receiving stolen property after allegedly using a borough credit card to pay personal expenses totaling almost $15,000.

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Kresge admitted to authorities that she used the card unlawfully, according to a criminal complaint.

According to the complaint, the resignation sparked an internal audit. In April, (and) Tim Paashaus uncovered "unlawful use of the borough credit card."

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According to the press release from the district attorney's office, Coopersburg Police Chief Daniel Trexler requested the investigtion.

The release goes on to say that Kresge used a borough credit card from November 2010 to February 2012 to pay personal expenses totaling $14,980.65. Kresge allegedly used the card to "acquire personal services and products and to make personal bill payments."

The criminal complaint also states Kresge was interviewed at the Lehigh County district attorney's office, at which time she waived her Miranda rights and admitted to using the card unlawfully. 

The charges, all third-degree felonies, can have sentences of up to seven years and $15,000 for each offense.

Kresge , citing a new job opportunity. She was borough manager from May 2008 to February 2012. Prior to that, Kresge was Coopersburg's police secretary from April 2005 to April 2008. 

She was arrested this morning and released on $15,000 unsecured bail. 

Paashaus declined to comment for the article at this time.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on June 7, 2012, at District Judge David Harding’s office in Coopersburg.


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