TH woman allegedly stole $75K from church funds for drugs

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By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A Terre Haute woman was arrested this afternoon on multiple charges following a two-week long theft and drug investigation.

Heather M. Riggs,42, was booked into the Vigo County Jail around 1:40 p.m. Her charges are as follows:

• Count 1: Check Fraud   
• Count 2: Theft
• Count 3:  Neglect of a Dependent 
• Count 4:  Forgery 
• Count 5:  Dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance 
• Count 6:  Dealing in a Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Riggs,  a former church employee,  allegedly stole more than $75,000 from Victory Christian Center in Seelyville within a 14- month period to support a drug habit.

She was arrested today following an Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section and the All Crimes Policing unit heroin operation investigation.

Trooper BJ Patterson explained that the suspect was in charge of the bank accounts and handling of money for the church. 

Riggs allegedly was writing checks to her heroin supplier, and to herself to be cashed, according to the report. 

Her alleged theft did not stop at just the church bank account.

"She was taking cash from the offerings collected during church services," Patterson said, noting Riggs had small children with her during at least one drug transaction. 

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office  and the Vigo County Prosecutors Office assisted with the investigation.

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