Credit: Abington Police Department.
An investigation into a local doctor's office uncovered a years-long embezzlement scheme exceeding $1 million, thanks to the relentless work of Detective Liz Cartwright.
And now she is being honored for her service.
The Abington Police Department recognized her with an officer commendation for her exceptional work in the complex embezzlement case.
In June 2024, an office manager reported suspicious billing activity after discovering that patients were being double-billed and their payments redirected to a misleadingly named business linked to a staff member. Within weeks, she identified 36 victims and more than $270,000 in fraudulent transactions.
Believing the scheme extended further back, she conducted a review of years’ worth of financial records, ultimately tracing funds to a bank account controlled by the suspect. Her investigation uncovered extensive gambling activity and revealed that the suspect managed a shell company to embezzle funds.
With assistance from Pennsylvania State Troopers assigned to local casinos, she confirmed substantial cash withdrawals tied to the thefts.
By November 2024, Detective Cartwright had gathered the evidence needed to secure an arrest warrant and arranged for the suspect to surrender. Her final findings showed the suspect had embezzled more than $1.26 million from the practice and its patients, many of whom were elderly or medically vulnerable.
"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," the Abington Police Department wrote. "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."
