Woman Accused of Stealing More than $12,000 From Lakeville Couple

A Plymouth woman is facing a number of felony charges in Dakota County after allegedly stealing more than $12,000 from a Lakeville couple she was living with.

The Dakota County Attorney's Office has charged Deanna Michelle Turnbaugh, 32, with six felony counts including check forgery, credit card fraud, and identity theft.

According to a criminal complaint filed on Feb. 21, Turnbaugh admitted to police that she was writing herself checks from the personal checkbook of the Lakeville couple she was living with, forging the signatures, and then cashing them for cash. When confronted by the family, she admitted to them she had taken the money, and agreed to pay them $200 a month until the money was repaid.

But just a week later, the complaint says the family called Lakeville police after they discovered thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges made to their bank account and a credit card.

All told, the complaint alleges Turnbaugh racked up $12,280.11 in cash withdrawals and fraudulent purchases beginning in April 2011, and ending in December.

Turnbaugh posted bail and was released. Her next court appearance is scheduled for next month.