The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of Patricia Ginter, 56, of Thorndale, Pa., for defrauding and stealing nearly $15,000 from a local non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Chester County families facing housing insecurity. 

The defendant was charged with theft by deception, tampering with public records, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. She was arrested on January 14, and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Marc Lieberman.

Ginter was released on $20,000 unsecured bail.

The criminal complaint, filed by the Chester County Detectives, indicates that in September of 2023, Ginter intentionally deceived a local non-profit organization in West Chester to steal at least $14,617 in funds allocated by the federal government to Chester County families in need of COVID-related eviction relief.

These relief funds were administered pursuant to the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). To remain eligible for ERAP relief, an applicant’s total household income could not exceed a designated annual limit. Applicants were required to provide proof of income to demonstrate eligibility.

In September 2023, Ginter submitted an ERAP application which purposefully omitted over $60,000 of total household income. If provided at the time the application was submitted, this information would have rendered the defendant ineligible for ERAP benefits. Because it was omitted, Ginter was awarded ERAP funds that should have remained available to eligible Chester County families and children in need.

This is the second active criminal case now pending against Ginter in Chester County. On May 30, 2023, a criminal complaint was filed against the defendant for allegedly defrauding and stealing over $15,000 in social security disability funds from her victim, a special needs high school student. That case is tentatively scheduled for trial on Feb. 24.

The Chester County Detectives are investigating both cases. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If you believe you have information that could be relevant to this matter, please contact Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866. Chester County Assistant District Attorney Peter Johnsen is the assigned prosecutor.