Stephanie Orten

WARSAW — A Syracuse woman is facing charges after allegedly stealing nearly $40,000 from her grandparents to fund her drug habit.

Stephanie Orten, 902 North Huntington St., Syracuse, is being charged with fraud and theft, both level six felonies.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Orten’s charges stem from fraudulent ATM withdrawals that began late last year. On Jan. 30, an individual reported to officials that someone had been withdrawing money from his in-laws account without their permission.

From Oct. 17, 2016, and Jan. 20, there were approximately 69 unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals and an unknown number of debit purchases that had appeared on the elderly couple’s bank account.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the male told police his in-laws had allowed their granddaughter, Orten, to use their debit card to purchase groceries and necessities for them because they are in poor health.

Police discovered that Orten made fraudulent ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases unauthorized on her grandparent’s card totaling $39,100.75.

On Feb. 3, officers spoke with Orten who stated her grandfather had given her the card to purchase groceries and other necessities. She did not have authorization to make ATM withdrawals or debit transactions. Orten told police she used the money from the withdrawals to support her $300 to $400 a day drug habit.

Orten was booked on Thursday, May 4, on a $45,000 surety and cash.