Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes detectives arrested Jaime K. Crawford, 42, of Lake Charles, owner of Lake Charles Cheer Training, after alleging she was responsible for theft.

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY) -- The owner of a Lake Charles cheerleading training school has been charged with stealing money from her clients, authorities said.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes detectives arrested Jaime K. Crawford, 42, of Lake Charles, owner of Lake Charles Cheer Training, after alleging she was responsible for theft.

Investigators said she collected funds from clients for services that were never rendered, totaling approximately $3,900. The victims previously requested refunds but Crawford did not comply. It is also alleged Crawford used a victim’s credit card, which was left on file at the business for monthly cheer dues, to make fraudulent charges. The purchases, which totaled over $1,500, were made at a local veterinarian’s office, emergency animal clinic and pet groomer.

Detectives said Crawford confirmed she collected funds for services that she did not render. She denied using a victim’s card for personal use. Authorities said all charges benefited Crawford or her pet. 

Crawford was arrested Monday and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center for three counts of theft from $1,000-5,000. Bond was at $30,000 and later changed to her own recognizance. She is still incarcerated at this time due to an outstanding warrant unrelated to these charges, officials said. 

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