AVONDALE BOROUGH – Avondale Borough was a victim of theft by deception and bank fraud in 2021. On October 18, 2021, an individual called Borough Hall and spoke to a Borough employee, asking that the bank password be changed, which was done. Over the next two days three wire transfers were successful totaling $29,380. The previous council contacted the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department for investigation.
The current Avondale Borough Council pursued the matter and the Southern Chester County Regional Police investigated. After video surveillance was obtained of the individual withdrawing funds from several locations, SCCRPD detectives were able to identify one of the two culprits as out of state resident Krystian Garcia. Search warrants for bank records and Garcia’s phone records were obtained and executed. Chester County District Attorney’s Office approved extradition under the stipulation that SCCRPD be responsible for the physical transportation back to Pennsylvania. SCCRPD detectives, with the assistance of Florida law enforcement, were able to coordinate extradition. Garcia was extradited from Florida and stood trial on Monday, March 13, 2023, before the Honorable Allison Bell Royer, County Court of Common Pleas Judge. Garcia pled guilty to Computer Trespass and Theft by Deception. Avondale Borough Council President Paul Morgan delivered a strong victim impact statement on behalf of the Council and all the residents of Avondale Borough. Current Council and employees have developed policies and procedures to protect the Borough from falling victim to this sort of crime again.
In a negotiated plea agreement with Garcia’s attorney and William Judge, Deputy District Attorney, Economic Crime, Garcia was ordered to pay restitution for the amount linked to his part of the crime, $19,580 to Avondale Borough as well as court costs and the cost of extradition. He was sentenced to prison time served and will be under probation for five years. His probation time can be reduced by paying Avondale, in full, sooner.
“Avondale Borough Council is pleased that Garcia is being held accountable for the crimes that he committed and that most of the stolen funds will be returned. We are grateful to the SCCRPD and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office for their time and efforts to make this right.” Paul Morgan, President.
This case serves as a reminder to everyone that no financial institution or government agency will ever call and request your password or ask you to change it.
