After an investigation by the Department of Justice, Jessica McGinnis, 33, and her husband David, 50, both of Bridgeville, were arrested in connection with a $20,000-plus theft from the Morningside Village Homeowners’ Association in Sussex County.
The arrest came after a grand jury indictment.
According to a release from the Attorney General’s Office unpaid community, sewage system bills led to the investigation.
Bank records showed money deposited into a fund for the system maintenance was instead diverted to checks written to the couple $20,167.63. Jessica McGinnis, took over as secretary/treasurer of the association in 2012. The McGinnis’ face four counts each of Second-Degree Conspiracy and Theft Greater than $1,500.
“This theft deprived an entire community of needed funds for maintenance. This thorough investigation is proof that we take complaints about homeowners’ associations and communities seriously, and will prosecute those who abuse the trust of their neighbors,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “I want to thank Deputy Attorney General Christopher Curtin who is our Common Interest Community Ombudsperson, and Deputy Attorney General Stephen McDonald for their hard work.”
