The Lebanon County Detective Bureau charged a Lancaster area man in connection
with allegations of embezzlement, fraud and theft, in connection with his past
employment as an independent contractor with Umberger’s of Fontana in South Annville
Township.
It is alleged that between November 2009 and May 2010, Robert W. Vanderwende ,
age 54 of Strasburg, PA. diverted twenty three or more pieces of agricultural machinery,
including skid loaders and tractors to a Lancaster County dealer and was paid directly,
in excess of $187,0000 which he converted to his own use.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of deception and fraud with regard to how
Vanderwende represented his authority with Umberger’s as well as a trail of fraudulent
documents to conceal the missing equipment. Vanderwende also represented he was
paying various obligations of Umberger’s with their own money, and sought
reimbursement. It is estimated Umberger’s suffered a loss in excess of $500,000 as a
result of this alleged scheme.
Vanderwende was charged with two (2) counts of Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful
Activities, Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds, two (2) counts of
Theft by Deception and Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition in a criminal complaint
filed before District Court Judge Carl R. Garver on October 15, 2012.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Robert W. Vanderwende who may be
living in Lancaster County or North Dakota.
with allegations of embezzlement, fraud and theft, in connection with his past
employment as an independent contractor with Umberger’s of Fontana in South Annville
Township.
It is alleged that between November 2009 and May 2010, Robert W. Vanderwende ,
age 54 of Strasburg, PA. diverted twenty three or more pieces of agricultural machinery,
including skid loaders and tractors to a Lancaster County dealer and was paid directly,
in excess of $187,0000 which he converted to his own use.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of deception and fraud with regard to how
Vanderwende represented his authority with Umberger’s as well as a trail of fraudulent
documents to conceal the missing equipment. Vanderwende also represented he was
paying various obligations of Umberger’s with their own money, and sought
reimbursement. It is estimated Umberger’s suffered a loss in excess of $500,000 as a
result of this alleged scheme.
Vanderwende was charged with two (2) counts of Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful
Activities, Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds, two (2) counts of
Theft by Deception and Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition in a criminal complaint
filed before District Court Judge Carl R. Garver on October 15, 2012.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Robert W. Vanderwende who may be
living in Lancaster County or North Dakota.