Lake Charles, LA –
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes detectives arrested Jaime K. Crawford, 42, Lake Charles, owner of Lake Charles Cheer Team, after several investigations revealed she was responsible for theft.
During the investigations it was discovered she collected funds from clients for services that were never rendered, totaling approximately $3,900. The victims previously requested refunds but Crawford did not comply. It was also learned Crawford used a victim’s credit card, which was left on file at the business for monthly cheer dues, to make fraudulent charges. The purchases, which totaled over $1,500, where made at a local veterinarian’s office, emergency animal clinic, and pet groomer.
When detectives spoke with Crawford, she confirmed she collected funds for services that she did not render. She denied using a victim’s card for personal use, however the investigation revealed all charges benefited Crawford or her pet.
On February 26, Crawford was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 3 counts of theft from $1,000 - $5,000. Judge Tony Fazzio set her bond at $30,000 and later allowed release on her on her own recognizance for those charges. She is still incarcerated due to unrelated warrant.
CPSO Detective Shelli Fontenot is the lead investigator on these cases.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.