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25 Investigates: Families finally given refunds after broken ski trip promises

SALEM, Mass. — Families learned Wednesday in court they would finally get refunds four years in the making.

In 2016, several families told Boston 25 Investigates they booked vacations online, paid in full and then had them suddenly canceled without a refund. Others found out they had been double booked.

Fours year later, the suspect in this case brought a $28,000 check to Salem District Court to make the victims whole.

"Being scammed is no fun and you don't expect it," victim Elisa Reynolds told Boston 25 News.

That's why she spent nearly five years fighting to see this day.

Prosecutors in Salem District Court said Wednesday Carrie Kelleher was running a scheme for months that cost more a dozen local families money and ruined vacations.

As 25 Investigates first reported in 2016, families had booked a Bretton Woods ski house rental through online company Our Rental Paradise. They paid upfront and in full, then, at the last minute, their trips were canceled.

Families say Kelleher promised them refunds. When that never happened, many of them called police.

"Our February vacations were ruined," Reynolds said. "When someone hurts my children because they scammed me out of a February ski vacation, I'm going to take it the next level."

Investigators with the U.S. Postal Service and Manchester by the Sea police interviewed more than a dozen families.

That brings us January 2020.

"I would like to say I'm sorry to both of you," Kelleher said in court.

She brought a $28,000 cashier's check as restitution for the families.

"I think today was a great day for all the victims," victim Jonathan Beder said. "We pursued this for a number of years."

In addition to the restitution, Kelleher will also spend some time on probation.

Her attorney said that she was a single mom trying to make ends meet.

[25 Investigates complaints against local vacation rental company]