The Abington Township Police Department recently issued an Officer Commendation on behalf of Detective Liz Cartwright for her efforts in apprehending a suspect who had embezzled over $1,268,000 from a local doctor’s office.
From the department’s post:
On June 17, 2024, the office manager of a local doctor’s office visited the Abington Police Department to report suspected billing irregularities allegedly committed by a staff member. The office manager had discovered that patients were being double-billed, with payments misdirected to a business bearing a deceptively similar name to the doctor’s practice. Further review revealed receipts listing the employee’s personal cell phone number as the point of contact.
The office manager checked additional accounts and found multiple instances where patient payments had been rerouted in this same manner. Detective Cartwright immediately volunteered to take on the case, recognizing its complexity and seriousness. Within the first few weeks of her investigation, she identified thirty-six clients who had been defrauded through the suspect employee’s shell company, uncovering losses exceeding $270,000.
Recognizing that fraud likely extended back several years, Detective Cartwright undertook the painstaking task of reviewing years of credit card transactions and billing receipts from the practice. She traced the flow of funds to a bank account controlled by the suspect, secured a search warrant for the records, and uncovered extensive gambling activity tied to the account.
Detective Cartwright discovered the suspect had been using Intuit QuickBooks to manage the shell company and embezzle funds from patients. She collaborated with Pennsylvania State Troopers assigned to local casinos and verified that the suspect had a history of withdrawing substantial sums believed to be the proceeds of embezzlement.
In November 2024, Detective Cartwright had gathered enough evidence to secure an arrest warrant. She persuaded the suspect to surrender voluntarily. Ultimately, her investigation revealed that the suspect had embezzled over $1,268,000 from their employer and the patients of the doctor’s office, many of whom were elderly or in vulnerable health.
This investigation demanded extraordinary diligence, patience, and analytical skill. Detective Cartwright spent countless hours poring over bank statements, billing documents, accounting software, casino records, and personal financial records. We also recognize the office manager’s careful attention in noticing that something was wrong, and we deeply appreciate their courage in coming forward to report the incident to our department.
In related news, multiple fire companies in greater Glenside welcomed their newest firefighters who graduated from the basic Firefighting 1 certification program on Thursday, December 4.
Edge Hill Fire Company (Abington Township)
From their post:
Please join us in congratulating Owen on graduating from Firefighter I! Over the last four months, Owen dedicated himself to more than 200 hours of intensive training, demonstrating commitment, and determination.
We are incredibly proud to have you as part of the Edge Hill Fire Company family and look forward to all you will accomplish in your fire service career. Keep up the great work, Owen — the best is yet to come!
Pioneer Fire Company (Jenkintown)
From their post:
The Jenkintown Volunteer Fire Department is proud to recognize three members who have completed their Firefighter I certification through Bucks County Community College Public Safety Training Center — a 206-hour fire academy. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our community are truly commendable.
Please join us in congratulating our newest Firefighter I graduates!
Jason Gordon- Sta.99A (Pioneer)
Mark Khusidman- Sta.99A (Pioneer)
Kelly Rigaut- Sta.99B (Independent)
Weldon Fire Company (Glenside)
From their post:
Please join us in congratulating members Jason and Liam who graduated from completing their Firefighter 1 certification last night through Bucks County Community College. This class is over 200 hours of fire academy training. Congratulations to you both!
Roslyn Fire Company (Abington Township)
From their post:
Roslyn Fire Company is proud to recognize seven members who have completed their Firefighter I certification through Bucks County Community College — a 206-hour fire academy. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our community are truly commendable.
Please join us in congratulating our newest Firefighter I graduates!
– JD Sexton
– Jeff Guevara
– Jacob Vanderslice
– David Phillips
– Ryan Mower
– Shayne Harris
– Mike Getty
Elkins Park Fire Company (Cheltenham Township)
From their post:
A big 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 to our newer members Chris, Ash, Eli, Katie, and Ryan on their graduation from Firefighter 1 tonight! This certification involved nearly 200 hours of training over several weeks to fully prepare them in various disciplines involved in firefighting.
McKinley Fire Company (Elkins Park)
From their post:
The officers and members would like to congratulate our newest firefighters who graduated from their basic Firefighting 1 program this evening. We are looking forward to them joining us in serving the community in their full capacity on the fire ground and for various emergencies in our district and throughout the township.
FF Diego Joseph
FF Ryan Boari
FF Elizabeth Hippel
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