WEST CHESTER, PA — Authorities in Chester County have charged a Thorndale woman with allegedly defrauding a local non-profit of nearly $15,000 intended to assist families facing housing insecurity.
Patricia Ginter, 56, was arrested on January 14, 2025, following an investigation by Chester County Detectives. She is accused of falsifying her income on an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application in September 2023. The funds, distributed as part of federal COVID-related eviction relief efforts, are allocated to support families struggling with housing needs.
According to the criminal complaint, Ginter intentionally omitted over $60,000 in household income from her application, making her eligible for funds she would otherwise not qualify for. The alleged deception resulted in $14,617 being wrongfully awarded to Ginter, instead of families in greater need.
This is the second active case against Ginter in Chester County. She faces separate allegations from May 2023, in which she is accused of stealing over $15,000 in Social Security disability benefits from a special needs high school student. That trial is set to begin in February 2025.
Ginter has been released on $20,000 unsecured bail. Authorities emphasize that all allegations remain under investigation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Chester County Detectives are investigating and ask anyone with information to contact them at 610-344-6866.
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