CAMDEN – A Camden woman who was charged with allegedly stealing approximately $40,000 from a Route 1 motel in Camden, has been released on a $5,000 bail.

Detective Curt Andrick arrested Kelly Hill, 38, of Camden on March 9. Hill was charged with felony theft, which is a class B offense since the amount police said she allegedly stole was more than $10,000.

Andrick identified the motel as the Lodge at Camden Hills and said that he is still reviewing the business’ financial statements but once the investigation is completed, the total amount of money allegedly stolen “may be substantially more than $40,000.”

According to court documents, Andrick was first contacted by owners of the Lodge after they noticed suspicious charges and discrepancies with the books.

The owners provided bank statements to police that included charges they said were made by Hill for shopping trips, medical bills, travel and veterinary services for her two dogs. Hill was authorized to use the business’ checking account and debit card.

Documents highlighted alleged unauthorized purchases, including at spa and hair salon visits, motels in Michigan, New Hampshire and Vermont, for airline charges and eye care, and at Michigan and Maine restaurants, as well as PayPal transfers.

Court documents further state that Hill became defensive when the owners told her they would be updating their computer software, and that she became more involved with the daily operations of their business.

The owners also allowed Hill to live at the Lodge without paying rent and have personal use of company car.

The detective said there may also be prior out-of-state convictions, but he wasn’t able to comment any further since the case is still under investigation.

Hill made her initial court appearance March 11.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com