A former administrative assistant at a dental practice in Pennsylvania is accused of stealing more than $35,000 from her employer to feed her gambling addiction, according to multiple news reports published on July 17.
Rebecca Chapman, 57, was charged with eight counts of forgery, two counts of theft, and one count each of receiving stolen property and insurance fraud for reportedly stealing the money over an extended period from her employer, Brent Guise Family Dentistry in Gettysburg, PA. Chapman was released from custody on $50,000 bail, according to reports.
In February 2024, police responded to the dental practice for a report of a theft by a former employee. Chapman allegedly fraudulently endorsed checks that were paid to the practice and then deposited them into her personal bank account.
Furthermore, a fake insurance claim was created for a procedure that was never performed on a patient. Later, the reimbursement check for this patient and procedure was purportedly deposited into Chapman's personal banking account. Also, Chapman is accused of removing certain procedure costs from patients' bills to entice them to pay in cash and then stealing the money, according to reports.
After obtaining a warrant, bank records were searched and reportedly showed that insurance and personal checks made payable to the dental practice were deposited into Chapman's account. Police also recovered video footage of Chapman allegedly making deposits at an ATM.
When she was interviewed in May 2024, Chapman allegedly admitted to stealing the money to support her gambling habits.
