Cops: East Huntingdon woman bilked ex-husband out of $260K
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An East Huntingdon woman was arrested Wednesday along with a Fayette County man on charges of fraud and identity theft after police said they acquired more than $260,000 in multiple credit lines and accounts using her ex-husband’s name.
Laurie A. Campbell, 55, and Tyler D. Smidtke, 39, of Connellsville, were part of a 25-month theft scheme between 2016 and 2018, state police said.
Campbell’s ex-husband, Earl, was not aware of the transactions until afterward, Trooper Zachary Bell said. The couple divorced in 2019, according to Westmoreland County court dockets.
Documents provided to police by Earl Campbell indicated that in January 2017, Laurie Campbell obtained a home equity loan on the couple’s home for $84,750.
“When it was learned his wife had obtained a home equity line of credit on their residence, the defendant informed the victim that the loan would be used to pay for their son’s college tuition. However, the loan was used to purchase a house with Smidtke in Perryopolis,” Bell reported.
In May 2017, police allege Laurie Campbell took out a second mortgage on the home for $100,000, a portion of which was used to pay off the first loan.
“The victim further reported (Campbell) and (Smidtke) caused him to suffer abundant credit card debt as a result of their home purchase,” Bell said.
Bell said the couple opened seven credit card accounts and “spent to the maximum purchase limits,” charging at least $93,685, according to court documents.
Campbell and Smidtke also obtained $44,209 from Earl Campbell’s retirement accounts, police said.
Bell said after making the transactions, Laurie Campbell would provide Smidtke cash “through her Citizens Bank checking account … or via online transfers.”
The pair also is charged with receiving stolen property and theft; Campbell faces an additional charge of dealing in proceeds of illegal activities and forgery.
Attempts to reach Campbell and Smidtke, who were released on recognizance bond, were unsuccessful. A preliminary hearing is Aug. 19.