St. Augusta Woman Accused of Stealing From Employer

ST. CLOUD -- A St. Augusta woman has been charged with four counts of theft-by swindle for allegedly stealing nearly $46,000 from the Order of St. Benedict where she worked.

According to the criminal complaint, 35-year-old Laura Schwindel had taken the money between September 2013 and October 2015.

Records show employees at the convent began noticing deposits failing to show up in various accounts. An investigation revealed a number of transactions where checks were deposited, the receipts voided and then cash receipts under Schwindel's username completed. An investigator obtained Schwindel's bank records and noted $20,000 in cash deposits during the time the money went missing.

Schwindel denied taking the money and was fired in late October of last year.

A summons has been issued to have Schwindel appear on the charges April 4th.