(Spencer)– A Spencer woman faces theft and fraud charges for what authorities say was a fake mail-order puppy business.
Police say Constance Lee Englert was arrested around 3:30 p.m. last Friday and was charged with theft in the second degree and fraudulent practice in the second degree…both class “D” felonies.
Spencer police say it stems from complaints they received about Englert receiving money orders from people placing on-line orders for puppies. Authorities accuse Englert of forwarding the money to another party, but the puppies were never shipped. The victims were then allegedly contacted by yet another person portraying himself as a shipping company agent, telling the victim more money needed to be sent to cover the cost of shipping.
Based on their investigation into the complaints, police executed a search warrant on Englert’s residence at 305 1/2 Grand Avenue in Spencer where they seized money orders, money gram receipts, a computer and lists of victims.
Authorities say their investigation continues and additional charges are possible.
