Orthodontist worker told patients to pay in cash — then she pocketed money, cops say

A 61-year-old woman is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from an orthodontics office where she worked, Indiana authorities say.

The investigation began in August 2023 when Scheele Orthodontics observed a “large number of payments from patients was missing and unaccounted for,” according to Indiana State Police.

The investigation led authorities to Jennifer Fullenkamp, who state police said orchestrated a scheme to steal from the doctor’s office over several years.

“Her scheme involved convincing patients to pay for services with cash in exchange for a discount on their bill,” state police said. “Fullenkamp then stole the cash and altered the computer records to conceal the theft.”

A warrant was issued for Fullenkamp and she was arrested Aug. 23, authorities said. She was charged with felony counts of theft in excess of $50,000 and corrupt business influence, according to state police.

Scheele Orthodontics is in Batesville, about a 65-mile drive southeast from Indianapolis.

This story was originally published August 27, 2024 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Orthodontist worker told patients to pay in cash — then she pocketed money, cops say."