Employee accused of stealing thousands from Blair County bank

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — After quitting her bank job, a Duncansville woman was accused of taking thousands from an Altoona bank while working there, court documents show.

Melissa J. Standridge, 47, was charged Monday after the manager of Altoona First Savings Bank went to Altoona police over missing money that Standridge was responsible for. According to the charges filed, the manager said they did an audit on Standridge’s money draw after she suddenly quit in April.

The bank manager went on to tell police that Standridge started working there in January and they had frequent attendance issues, the criminal complaint reads. She allegedly told Standridge that one more call-off would result in her being fired. The manager told police Standridge called off on April 26 and said she would “just quit.”

According to the manager, she began to audit Standridge’s money draw and found it was $7,184.45 short. They soon found the shortage was not just an error, the complaint shows.

Police later interviewed Standridge at the Altoona Police Department. They noted in the complaint that she seemed surprised by the shortage and allegations while also mentioning the financial hardship she was in.

According to charges filed, Standridge allegedly confessed to taking only $1,200. As police continued to speak with her, they said she soon confessed to taking all of the money, roughly $1,000 at a time, to help pay for her car. She also made mention of her dog recently dying and her mother having medical issues.

Standridge was charged with misdemeanor theft and receiving stolen property. She was released on $15,000 unsecured bail.

Stay up to date with news that matters to you with the WTAJ app on iPhone and Android by clicking here .

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.