Lake Charles, Louisiana - Jaime K. Crawford, a 42-year-old resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and owner of Lake Charles Cheer Team, was arrested by detectives from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes division for theft following multiple investigations.
In the investigation, it was found that she took money from customers for services she never provided, amounting to about $3,900. The victims had asked for refunds earlier, but Crawford did not give them. It was also discovered that Crawford had used a victim's credit card, which was kept on file for monthly fees, to make unauthorized purchases at a local veterinarian, emergency animal clinic, and pet groomer, totaling over $1,500.
During the interview with Crawford, CPSO indicated that she admitted to taking money for services she never provided. She claimed that she did not use a victim's card for herself, but the investigation showed that all the charges were ultimately for Crawford or her pet.
Crawford was taken into custody on February 26 and placed in the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 3 counts of theft from $1,000 - $5,000. Judge Tony Fazzio assigned a $30,000 bond but later permitted her release on her own recognizance for those specific charges. However, she remains in jail because of an unrelated warrant.
Detective Shelli Fontenot, from the CPSO, is in charge of investigating these cases.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.