Pennsylvania Woman Allegedly Stole $50,000 in Rent to Fund Gambling Addiction
Authorities in Pennsylvania report that a 51-year-old woman embezzled over $50,000 in rental funds to support her gambling addiction.
The York City Police Department claims that Annette Lynn Anderson retained the rent money she gathered from tenants for a landlord and lost most of it through gambling. Following her first interaction with law enforcement, Anderson allegedly admitted to having a gambling addiction and was looking for assistance.
Anderson informed the police that she frequently placed bets at a casino. The criminal complaint did not specify the casino, but York County hosts Hollywood Casino York, a Category 4 establishment featuring 630 slot machines, 27 live-dealer table games, and an ESPN Bet Sportsbook. York City is only a brief drive away from the casino run by Pennsylvania-based Penn Entertainment.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has a section on its website focused on Compulsive and Problem Gambling, offering assistance and resources for individuals impacted by gambling disorders.
Experts in responsible gaming advise that the most effective method for an individual to prevent their gambling issues from affecting themselves or their family members is to opt for self-exclusion. The four self-exclusion initiatives of the PGCB (casinos, iGaming, VGT, fantasy sports) have nearly 34,000 sign-ups.
Anderson Currently a Runaway
The report from the York City Police indicated that Anderson was gathering rent payments from 23 tenants for her mother, who had been the previous rent collector but became unwell.
Anderson reportedly urged tenants to pay their rent using mobile methods, such as Venmo and CashApp. Rather than sending the money to the landlord, the legitimate owner, Anderson faces allegations of keeping the funds for gambling.
Anderson promised to pay the landlord the $50K, but authorities state she either escaped the area or went into seclusion.
"Anderson was given an opportunity by police to make things right. However, she has instead decided to make her whereabouts unknown,” the police statement read.
Anderson faces two felony charges — theft through deception and theft through unlawful taking. A felony theft charge involving deception can lead to a prison term of seven years and a fine of $15,000. An individual convicted of theft through illegal acquisition encounters comparable penalties.
Criminal History
This isn’t the first time Anderson has had issues with the law. Casino.org examined Pennsylvania court documents and discovered that she has faced multiple charges throughout the years.
In 1999, Anderson admitted to felony forgery, theft by unlawful acquisition, possessing stolen property, and criminal conspiracy. She received a 50-day prison sentence, community service, and several years of probation.
In 2022, she admitted guilt to a summary offense of "driver's duty in emergency response zones" for not moving over. In September of last year, a court decided in favor of a credit management company in its lawsuit regarding unpaid bills against her.
Additionally, there are multiple court cases against Anderson over accusations of contempt of court for not paying fines, costs, or restitution mandated by the court.
