Manchester Woman Charged In $140,000 Car Dealership Ripoff Scheme

EAST HARTFORD, CT — A Manchester woman is accused to bilking an East Hartford-based car dealership out of more than $140,000 for personal expenses while employed there, police said.

The East Hartford Police Department Thursday said that Brandy Kaiser, 40, of Manchester, has been arrested on multiple charges that include first-degree larceny, first-degree identity theft, and the illegal use of a payment card.

Kaiser is a former employee at Kia of East Hartford, police said. Following a "lengthy and thorough investigation," police determined that Kaiser had been writing out company checks to herself and using the dealership's bank account to pay her rent, her electric bills, an auto loan, and other personal debts, according to an arrest report.

The total amount of suspected stolen money from the company is estimated at $142,000, according to an arrest report.

Kaiser surrendered at the East Hartford Police Department on Jan. 7, police said. She posted a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court on Jan 28, according to judicial system records.

The arrest marks "a significant step in holding individuals accountable for financial crimes and maintaining the integrity of our community," police said.

Det. Christina Johnston, who led the investigation, said, "The cooperation of our investigative team has been instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. We remain committed to safeguarding our community from fraudulent activities."