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TALLAHASSEE - A Hillsborough County woman was arrested for her involvement in a scheme that defrauded people seeking federal and state grants. Karen A. Kiehl of Valrico claimed she could help people secure grants, but instead swindled her victims out of more than $140,000.
An investigation revealed that Kiehl, 48, allegedly promoted herself as a grant writer who could guarantee that clients would receive federal and state grants for anything from medical expenses to home repair costs. More than 60 victims from several Florida counties paid Kiehl for her grant writing services, believing they would receive various grants.
Victims told investigators that Kiehl was never specific about the foundations to which she had applied for grants. When questioned by her "clients" about their grants, she allegedly told them the grants had been approved and she was waiting for a check to arrive in the mail. However, no grants were written and none of the victims ever received any grant money through Kiehl.
Kiehl is charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud, a first-degree felony. If convicted, she faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
A copy of the criminal information filed against Kiehl is available at:http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MRAY-6P8H7F/$file/Kiehl_Information.pdf 4-28-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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