Woman Charged with Fraud Collecting Money for Injured Child
Written by Dan Fischer on June 16, 2018
News Release: Attica Police Dept.
The Attica Police Department has charged Heather M. Rheinheimer, 26, af Alleghany Rd, Darien Center with Scheme to Defraud second degree and Petit Larceny after receiving information she failed to donate funds received to the “Tough Like Mav” Benefit Charity.
Rheinheimer had worked at Meisner’s Deli located at 231 Main Street, Attica, NY. She began a fund drive to help with medical expenses from an incident on April 1, 2018 were 8-month-old Maverick Brumsted-Shaw was bitten by a dog in Varysburg, NY.
The incident was reported in an article published by the Batavia Daily News on April23, 2018. Rheinheimer begun selling candy bars and candy to customers of Meisner Deli with the support and financial backing of owner/operator Nicholas A. Campanella. Rheinheimer had since resigned her position at the local deli and moved on to another job. Coincidentally, a family member of the Shaw’s had stopped in the deli to order food and Mr. Campanella had asked how Maverick was doing and hoped the donation from his store had helped. It was learned that Rheinheimer had not donated the funds. Mr. Campanella immediately reported this to the police sparking the investigation.
Rheinheimer was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Village of Attica Justice Court on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:00 am. The investigation is continuing however the Attica Police Department needs the communities help. Chief Dean R. Hendershott is requesting anyone who donated or purchased candy for the benefit while at Meisner’s Deli to contact the police department at 585-591-0881. The department is attempting to determine the amount that was collected so that restitution can be determined.
Once the case is resolved all monies will be turned over to the family so it can be utilized for the sole purpose in which it was given for, “Tough Like Mav”.