$162K In COVID Relief Stolen By Norristown Woman: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A Norristown woman was arrested after stealing more than $162,000 from in COVID-19 emergency relief funds through fraudulent applications for relief, authorities said.

Tina Marie Yorgey, 53, faces numerous felony forgery charges in connection with the incidents.

Yorget filed several applications pretending to be facing eviction due to back rent that was owed, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said. She forged a wide range of documents, including IRS W-9 tax forms, application paperwork, notargy documents, power of attorney documents, financial documents, and leases for properties that had no leases, according to police.

“(Yorgey) stole funds specifically directed by the U.S. government to help people who were experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic,” said DA Steele. "Instead, more than $162,000 was taken by this defendant for her own personal use, thereby stealing the funds from those in true need."

In documents, Yorgey posed as the manager of a fake real estate company, East Moore Properties, to apply for the assistance. In certain instances, she claimed that some of her residents owed significant amounts of back rent, police said.

Yorgey used the payouts, which were between $16,500 and $22,500 for each application for a total of $162,680, for personal dinners and food expenses, the DA said.

She faces a litany of charges including dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking or disposition, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and related charges. She was released on $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 12.