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Authorities: Montco Woman Accused Of Stealing From Online Charity Fund

By Jim Melwert, Diana Rocco

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Authorities say charges have been filed against a Montgomery County woman for the alleged theft of more than $8,000 using an online charity fundraiser.

Police have charged Traci Small Kratzer with felony Theft, Theft by Deception, Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds and related charges, according to authorities.

Deven Henson's husband Jay has advanced pancreatic cancer. They have two daughters and for the last nine months he's been on an aggressive form of chemotherapy.

"It's the worst nightmare you can possibly imagine to watch someone go through that," said Deven Henson.

"It's devastating. It's devastating," she said.

According to the criminal complaint Kratzer set up the fundraising page, "Help Jay Henson beat cancer" on the website Youcaring.com and spread the word on Facebook.

But in June, a family member went to police, telling them the family had only received two checks for a total of $1,940. Investigators though, say the fundraiser had brought in more than $10,000.

"Unfortunately those funds never went to the cancer patient, and instead she used them for her own personal expenses," said District Attorney Risa Ferman.

Investigators say Kratzer allegedly told them she intended to give the more than $8,000 to the Henson family, but she fell on hard times.

Deven says she feels terrible for the people who donated but is still so moved by their generosity.

"That has been amazing how many complete strangers have done things for my husband," she said.

Kratzer has been released on bail, but did not answer the door at her home Tuesday night.

Ferman says they plan to seek restitution in this case, and she adds there's a legitimate site set up for donations for the family: myjaybird.com.

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