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LISBON -- A preliminary/pretrial hearing was set Dec. 11 for an East Palestine woman accused of presenting fraudulent documents to Norfolk Southern for reimbursement related to the February train derailment
Shelby Walker, 48, Taggart Street, was arraigned in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Wednesday on charges of theft by deception and falsification, both fourth-degree felonies.
According to the affidavit filed by East Palestine Detective Dan Haueter, Walker provided the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center with fraudulent falsified hotel receipts and receipts for other expenses related to relocation on four separate dates (April 14, April 27, May 16 and June 13) totaling $18,189.
The affidavit further alleges that Walker, as an employee of Microtel in Beaver Falls, created phony documents on her own indicating she had stayed at the facility. The police investigation concluded that Walker, who does reside feet away from the derailment site, did not receive lodging at the hotel on the dates she claimed and canceled her reservations.
Walker is the latest on a growing list of individuals facing charges for reportedly defrauding the railroad out of money by making false claims of displacement. Lauren Fegert of East Palestine was also arraigned on charges of felony theft and falsification this week for allegedly providing fictitious and altered hotel receipts to Norfolk Southern four times between April 25 and June 8, totaling $15,889. Lauren Dilworth, 28, Park Avenue, East Palestine, was charged with fourth-degree felonies of falsification and theft for allegedly submitting fictitious receipts totaling $18,840. Melissa Blake, 41, Quay Road, Negley, was charged with fourth-degree felonies of falsification and theft by deception and fifth-degree felony forgery for allegedly collecting $19,690. James Bollinger, 33, West Martin Street, East Palestine, was charged with fourth-degree felonies of theft by deception and falsification for allegedly providing fraudulent invoices in the amount of $12,451. A warrant has also been issued for a Girard man who allegedly submitted phony hotel documentation and receipts. White allegedly received $16,092 for lodging and food expenses.
Norfolk Southern declined to comment on the recent theft cases or ongoing investigations.
selverd@mojonews.com