Former Indiana Credit Union Teller Thought Money Could Buy Her Love

Samantha Underhill thought money could buy her love. Instead, it may buy her time in prison.

Underhill, 28, of Muncie, Ind., who worked at the $219 million PrimeTrust Financial Credit Union, is facing charges of theft and fraud for allegedly stealing $18,300 from two members’ accounts, according to a probable cause affidavit filed last week in Delaware County Circuit Court.

When a Muncie police officer arrived at the house of the former credit union teller, she asked if she was going to be arrested and then admitted she “[expletive] up.”

Underhill said she began stealing after returning to work from maternity leave. She was unable to remember how much money she pilfered.

When asked why she stole the funds, Underhill answered that she had been through a lot and tried to buy her family’s love, according to a police investigation.

In June, a member called PrimeTrust to report fraudulent activity in an account. The credit union found Underhill completed a $1,500 transaction in that account in May. When questioned, Underhill admitted she took the funds because she was afraid she would be unable to pay her mortgage.

According to the affidavit, Underhill said she still had the cash in her car, retrieved it and returned the $1,500. She was then fired.

In July, another member called the credit union to report questionable activity in her account. PrimeTrust discovered that Underhill stole $16,800 from the account starting in May and into June. Security video showed the former teller taking and hiding the cash then placing it in her purse, according to the affidavit.

Court documents showed Underhill was charged with two counts of theft and one count of financial institution fraud.

While her case is pending, she remains free on a $15,000 bond.