Charleston Michelle Pauley-Lamaster Faces 32 Fraud Charges

Travel fraud allegations landed a West Virginia business owner in jail on 32 separate counts following an investigation that uncovered thousands of dollars in lost vacation funds, WCHS reported.

Michelle Pauley-LaMaster, 47, of Charleston, was arrested on Wednesday following an investigation involving LaMaster Travel LLP.

According to a news release from West Virginia State Police, Senior Trooper Z.M. Lewis began investigating allegations of fraud involving the business on October 29 after reports of unauthorized credit card charges and issues with customer payments sparked an extensive probe. A total of 32 counts have been brought against Pauley-LaMaster, encompassing grand larceny, fraudulent schemes, computer fraud, unauthorized access device usage, obtaining goods under false pretenses, and issuing worthless checks.

West Virginia travel agent faces felony scam charges — WOWK 13 News

Documentation submitted to the Kanawha County Magistrate Court detailed multiple grievances where buyers stated they were out thousands of dollars for trips to spots such as Aruba, Jamacia and Norway.

Several customers told investigators no confirmation was provided after they paid for airfare and lodging. After booking a Disney trip, one buyer sought a refund multiple times for over $6,000 in unauthorized charges, while LaMaster allegedly issued an invalid check to settle the variance.

“These circumstances provide probable cause to believe LaMaster knowingly used false representations and promises to obtain or deprive customers of money, supporting fraudulent schemes allegations”

Following her arrest, Pauley-LaMaster was arraigned and her bond was set at $500,000 cash only. She was unable to post bond and remains incarcerated at the South Central Regional Jail.

Charleston Michelle Pauley-Lamaster Faces 32 Fraud Charges — Photo: lootpress.com

Law enforcement said that additional victims might still be unidentified, and further counts could be added as the inquiry moves forward. Pauley-LaMaster is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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