West Virginia Woman Arrested for Theft by Deception After Alleged Service Canine Scam

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Galloway Township Police Department has arrested Catherine Causey, 52, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, in connection with an alleged theft by deception scheme involving the sale of a service canine that was never delivered. Causey was charged with Theft by Deception and Money Laundering following a two-year investigation.

On June 18, 2024, Galloway Township Police received a report from a victim who claimed to have paid approximately $20,000 over a two-year period to “Causey Labradors and Training, LLC” for a service canine. Despite making full payments and maintaining numerous contacts with the business, the victim never received the promised service animal.

Following the investigation, authorities identified Causey as the suspect and arrested her on August 20, 2024. She was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility and is awaiting a future court date.

The Galloway Township Police Department urges the community to report any instances of fraud or deception. They also advise caution when making online purchases and recommend documenting all financial transactions. If you believe you have been a victim of a financial scam, contact the Galloway Township Police Department at 609-652-3705. Additional information on how to avoid scams can be found on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio — A lucky lottery player has won $10,000 after playing the Ohio Lottery’s Money Maker scratch-off game. The winning ticket was purchased at Market & Easton Bell Stores #21, located at 6356 N Market St.

After the mandatory 28 percent in state and federal taxes, the winner will take home approximately $7,200.

Money Maker is a $30 scratch-off game that offers a top prize of $40,000 a year for 25 years. As of August 19, five top prizes remain unclaimed in the game.

FREDERICK, Md. — The Frederick Police Department’s Tactical Investigations Unit (TIU) has arrested Rickilynn Nicole Dyer on numerous drug charges after a traffic stop led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of controlled substances, including fentanyl and crack cocaine.

The arrest occurred on August 14, 2024, at approximately 9:18 pm, when TIU detectives, acting on a search and seizure warrant, conducted a traffic stop on Dyer’s vehicle on Interstate 70 westbound near Monocacy Boulevard. The search of the vehicle revealed over 130 gelatin capsules containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one bindle of heroin/fentanyl, and approximately three grams of crack cocaine.

The investigation into Dyer’s activities began in May 2024, when Detective Raymond Bednar of the TIU received credible information indicating Dyer’s involvement in the distribution of controlled dangerous substances within Frederick City and County. Detective Bednar’s investigation, which included surveillance and other evidence-gathering methods, revealed that Dyer had been procuring these substances from Baltimore, MD, for street-level distribution in Frederick County.

Following her arrest, Dyer was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, where she remains held without bail. She is scheduled to appear before the District Court Commissioner.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine or heroin, has been a significant contributor to the opioid crisis, leading to numerous fatalities across the state. The Frederick Police Department’s Tactical Investigations Unit is committed to combating serious crimes, including drug distribution, to enhance community safety through proactive enforcement and strategic partnerships. The ongoing efforts of the TIU are aimed at reducing the availability of dangerous substances in Frederick County and beyond.