News

Banker stole nearly $100K from customer, used on rent, family vacations

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — A banker is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a customer's bank account, allegedly using the money to buy everything from manicures to family vacations.

For five years, Britt Landsperger oversaw the day-to-day business of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire TD Bank branch until investigators say one of her own employees grew suspicious of Landsperger's relationship with a 68-year-old customer.

"The investigation started in late spring, believe it was May, she was arrested a few weeks ago," said New Hampshire Asst. Attorney General Brandon Garod.

According to court documents, that victim was a retired teacher who had suffered a cerebral aneurysm and ha problems with her memory.  Investigators say Lansperger offered to help the woman with her finances and developed a close relationship, but soon, Portsmouth Police say Landsperger began to treat the victim's account as her own personal ATM.

"She has been charged with seven counts of felony theft by unauthorized taking," said Garod.

Over several years, police say Landsperger stole nearly $100,000 from the retired teacher, admitting to police she used the money for "Everything - rent, car payments, son's graduation and a family summer vacation to SeaWorld."

When police arrested Landsperger, she blamed the thefts on "depression" saying she was "overwhelmed as a single mother taking care of her own mother."

"Anytime you have somebody that's taking advantage of someone else, it's obviously not acceptable," said Garod.

But prosecutors say the bank itself is now stepping in to help the woman whose money they were entrusted to protect.

"The money actually has been paid back to the victim by TD Bank," said Garod.

Boston 25 News was not able to reach Landsperger for comment, but according to court records, she was fired by TD Bank. She will be arraigned in Portsmouth next month.