A 35-year-old Cedar Lake woman is facing a Level 6 felony theft charge after investigators concluded she used a Cub Scouts troop debit card for personal expenses over several months, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Lake County.
The case began on August 6, 2025, when a complainant reported that a troop purchase was declined for insufficient funds, despite the account having what she believed should be “plenty of money.” After reviewing bank statements, she found numerous unauthorized transactions made with a debit card ending in 1283, which she identified as belonging to Amber Pfiel. The complainant and Pfiel were the only individuals with access to troop debit cards.
She pointed out several unusual charges at Target, La Gaviaota, and Strack & Van Til—stores the troop didn’t typically use. She initially estimated a loss of $4,755, though police noted that total had not been confirmed.
Before filing the report, the complainant and Cub Master met with Pfiel to confront her. According to the affidavit, Pfiel denied making improper purchases and claimed her card had gone missing. She was asked to produce receipts, and the troop account was eventually frozen.
A detective later reviewed bank statements and receipts. The complainant then informed investigators that Pfiel had contacted her and admitted she used troop funds for personal expenses.
Police interviewed Pfiel on August 27, 2025. She admitted she had used the troop debit card without authorization. She said the first few uses were accidental because the card sat next to her own in her wallet, but when those charges went unnoticed, she continued using the card for daily expenses.
Investigators identified 80 suspicious transactions between December 10, 2024, and June 20, 2025, totaling $3,368.01. Pfiel admitted to eight transactions totaling $381.80 and said the remaining charges were “most likely” hers. She told officers she deposited $1,200 of her own money into the account once she realized how much had been spent, leaving herself short on cash and prompting her to continue using the troop card.
Pfiel later provided receipts and documents. Investigators verified some purchases as legitimate, including a Family Dollar expense and portions of a Strack & Van Til transaction. After adjustments, police calculated the remaining disputed amount at $1,714.98.
Pfiel also submitted a written statement admitting to the theft of $1,714.98 after already returning $1,500 to the account.
Charge filed December 8, 2025:
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Theft — Level 6 Felony