Man Stole $16,000 From Fiancée, Police Say

A Hellertown man with an apparent gambling habit admitted to stealing at least $10,500 from bank accounts of his fiancée, including her entire 401(k) retirement account, court records say.

The man's fiancée told police the amount allegedly stolen by Kurt Michael Laudenslager, 41, totaled $16,358.13, the records say.

Ashley E. Weir said he got money from her checking account by using her bank card, and transferred all of her 401(k) funds into the checking account and then drew on that, the records say.

A criminal complaint does not say anything about a gambling habit, but a document in Laudenslager’s file listing bail release conditions says he is "not allowed on the property of any casino while on bail and until the case has been disposed of."

It also says he must "undergo a gambling evaluation and must follow through with any recommendations and/or treatment."

Laudenslager, of 49 Bachman St., was unable to post $50,000 bail and was committed to Northampton County Prison.

The complaint filed by borough police investigator Michael Dattilio says Laudenslager admitted the following during an interview Monday:

• He “fraudulently obtained” $10,500 from his fiancée between July 24, 2012 and Jan. 10 of this year. That amount includes money from her checking account and $5,000 transferred from her 401(k) to the checking account—all without her permission and knowledge.

• He used Weir’s personal information to obtain a $500 loan without her permission and knowledge. He obtained the loan from a financial institution identified as Great Plains Savings and Loan.

Weir went to police with documentation about the matter on Feb. 8, the complaint says.

Laudenslager was charged with forgery, theft, receiving stolen property and access device issued to another who did not authorize use.

He was arraigned Monday night by District Judge Robert Hawke of Lehigh Township.