A Northeast Pennsylvania woman is accused of scamming a Reading resident out of $400 for a pit bull puppy that never existed, city police said.
Investigators identified the purported seller as Destiny N. Kohut, 23, of Montrose, Susquehanna County. The victim told police that she realized she had been duped when she arrived at a prearranged meeting spot in Allentown on May 28 to pick up the dog and Kohut never showed. Kohut then blocked her on all communication apps, according to police.
According to court documents:
A Reading police officer was dispatched to the victim’s home May 28. She said she found the puppy for sale on Facebook Marketplace and paid Kohut $400 in installments through a cash‑transfer app.
After completing the final payment, the victim agreed to meet Kohut at a park in Allentown, roughly halfway between their homes. When Kohut failed to appear, the victim tried unsuccessfully to reach her before returning home and contacting police.
She provided officers with chat logs and financial records documenting the payments.
Police said attempts to contact Kohut and persuade her to return the money were unsuccessful. She was charged Wednesday with theft by deception.
Kohut was not in custody as of Thursday.