Credit Union Lie Lands Woman in Federal Lockup

⏱ 2 min read

Nicole Hilstolsky, 48, of Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, is trading her freedom for a federal cell after a brazen scheme to cover up a theft at the now-defunct WOD Federal Credit Union. On October 15, 2018, Hilstolsky pocketed $16,247, then spun a tale of two armed robbers to cops, dialing 911 and fabricating a hold-up. It was a gamble that backfired spectacularly.

The FBI and Forty Fort Police didn’t buy the story for a second. Investigators quickly discovered the only robbery that took place was an inside job. Hilstolsky had hidden the stolen cash within the credit union itself for several days before making off with it, hoping to deflect blame. The lie quickly unraveled, exposing her as the perpetrator.

Hilstolsky copped to the embezzlement earlier this year. Yesterday, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani handed down an eight-month sentence, followed by two years of supervised release. It’s a relatively light sentence, but it’s still a federal felony conviction – and a harsh lesson learned.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan handled the prosecution. This case highlights how even seemingly elaborate schemes to cover up financial crimes can be swiftly dismantled by diligent law enforcement.