Man And Woman Indicted For Thefts During Central Ohio Realtor Open Houses

Posted on 11/17/2011

Defendant: Kimberly Richeson

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announces that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Kimberly J. Richeson, age 44, for one count (F-3) Theft from a Disabled Person and one count (F-3) Misuse of Credit Card. In September 2010, Maria Herren was diagnosed with breast cancer. Maria’s friend, Kimberly Richeson, began assisting the family by enlisting volunteers to help with meals and house cleaning. On December 4, 2010, Richeson was issued an Employer ID number by the IRS for the purposes of creating a tax exempt charitable organization called “Maria’s Garden” to help defray the expenses and medical costs that Maria’s family was experiencing. In January 2011, a checking account was opened for  Maria’s Garden with Richeson being the primary signer of the account. Between January 18 and September 22, 2011, approximately $18,000 was deposited into the account, and during that same time period, around $11,000 was withdrawn. Maria and her family never received any benefit for the $11,000 that was withdrawn. “It is alleged that Richeson used the money for her own personal financial gain”, O’Brien said.  If found guilty on this charge, the defendant faces a potential six years incarceration.