Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office announced last week that it is investigating the embezzlement of $13,000 from Pioneer Travel, in which 80 people signed up for trips to San Francisco that never took place.

Undersheriff Jim Wegner released details last week, saying on Dec. 15, the Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into a complaint after a victim reported paying $180 and booking a Dec. 3-4 trip through Pioneer Travel in Amador County. The victim stated she was subsequently contacted by the owner of Pioneer Travel. The victim reported that the owner alleged she was the victim of identity theft which necessitated canceling the trip.

The victim said “every year for the past eight years, a group of friends booked a two-day trip to San Francisco, which included lodging and bus transportation.” Pioneer Travel’s owner reportedly assured the victim a refund was forthcoming. The victim ultimately believed she had been scammed when the promised refund never arrived, thus prompting her to make a report with the Sheriff’s Office.

An Amador County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted Pioneer Travel and interviewed the owner regarding the allegation. The owner reported the victim and numerous other people had booked the trip to San Francisco, and that she had collected approximately $13,000 in payments.

The owner told the deputy that she had been the victim of identity theft while at a hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The owner said she reported the crime to the hotel and casino’s security who said they would report it to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The owner reported that due to the identity theft she had insufficient funds in the business account and had to cancel the trip.

Upon further interview, the owner subsequently admitted that she had not been the victim of identity theft and had spent the money to pay personal and business debts.

The owner then cooperated with the investigation, providing the deputy with a list of the names of 80 victims and the amount she had collected from each. The victims, many of which are seniors, primarily reside within Amador County as well as in adjacent counties.

As part of the investigation, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to contact all of the victims to conduct interviews and collect any receipts or financial statements proving a payment or deposit for the trip was made. This is initially being done via mail and will conclude with personal interviews.

Wegner said the case is being investigated as embezzlement and where appropriate as a theft from elder or dependent adults. Anyone believing they are a victim of this crime should contact Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Martin at (209)223-6500.

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