EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – A Stanley woman was charged in a February 2025 theft.
39-year-old Kayla Szydel was charged with theft in a business setting and fraud against financial institution of between $500 and $10,000.
According to a criminal complaint, on February 17, 2025, officers responded to a disturbance at 8119 Traux Blvd. The caller stated she had discovered several items in the residence indicating Szydel may be involved in fraudulent activities against the non-profit the Wellness Shack where Szydel works.
The caller showed the responding officer two checkbooks belonging to the Wellness Shack and carbon copies of several checks Szydel had written out to herself. Many of the checks were for “payroll.” There were also several documents indicating Szydel was attempting to take out a credit card. The Treasurer of the Wellness Shack said she didn’t have permission to be writing these checks.
Through investigation, Szydel transacted 31 checks between January 1, 2025, and February 28, 2025, ranging from $184.18 to $872.34. The lowest check was used at a transaction at Woodman’s in Altoona. The remaining 30 were either cashed or deposited into Szydel’s WESTconsin Credit Union accounts at various locations.
The Wellness Shack is at a monetary loss of $9,569.48. WESTconsin Credit Union is at a monetary loss of $2,353.59. As such, the total monetary loss as a result of these fraudulent checks is $11,923.07.
WEAU tried to call The Wellness Shack, but we were unable to confirm if Szydel still works there.
An initial appearance is scheduled for July 2 at 11 a.m.
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