Couple arrested after spending $120,000 put into bank account by mistake

Robert and Tiffany Williams went on spending spree

A couple have been arrested after they spent the $120,000 (£100,000) that was accidentally dropped into their bank account.

When the non-hypothetical sum intended for a business was accidentally transferred into their BB&T bank account, Robert and Tiffany Williams of Montoursville, Pennsylvania did not call the bank.

Instead, police say they spent it.

The couple splurged on a camper, a Chevy and a race car, state trooper Aaron Brown told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Authorities say they also distributed $15,000 (£12,000) to friends who needed the money.

All told, they spent $100,000 (£800) in about two-and-a-half weeks.

Eventually, though, the bank contacted them on or around June 20 after sending the money to the correct account.

The bank notified Tiffany Williams, 35, that they were responsible for returning all the funds, Mr Brown said.

He added that the withdrawal resulted in a $107,416 (£86,887) overdraft because the couple's bank account had only $1,121 (£907) in it before the accidental windfall.

BB&T Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ms Williams first assured the bank she would work out a repayment plan with her husband, but she eventually ceased communications.

"That is kind of shocking, with all the procedures the banks have set up, checking and double-checking and triple-checking, there's no way anybody gets away with that stuff," said Nate Weaver, a neighbour of the Williamses.

The couple, in separate interrogations, told police that they "admitted to knowing the mislaid money did not belong to them, but they spent it anyway."

They could not be reached immediately and it was unclear whether they had retained legal counsel.

The couple now face three felony charges of theft and receiving stolen property, court records show.

They appeared in court last week and posted bail of $25,000 (£20,000) each.

The Pennsylvania State Police could not immediately comment when contacted.

The Washington Post