WHITEHALL TWP, Pa.- Authorities said a Whitehall Township tax collector charged with oppression and harassment will face trial.
Tina Koren, 65, of Whitehall, was charged with misdemeanor counts on April 6, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
A preliminary hearing was held on June 30 and ruled there was enough evidence to proceed to court, according to the report.
The court hearing will be held on Aug.13, according to the release.
Officials said the investigation began with an initial complaint of alleged harassment by Koren in Sept. 2025.
The complaint was filed by Koren’s neighbors, Mary Ellen and Steve Griffin, co-owners of the nonprofit organization, The Caring Place, according to the release.
Reports said business provides food, clothing, and other services to homeless residents and those in crises.
Officers said the investigation revealed that the Griffins decided to build a small greenhouse to the rear of their property and donate the crops to those who need them in early June 2025.
Koren’s property shares a property line with the Griffins’ home, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Reports said Koren filed a complaint with the Whitehall Township Zoning Office on June 12, claiming the greenhouse was being constructed with a property building permit.
The Office inspected the property on June 23 and sent a notice to the Griffin family, according to officials.
Mr. Griffin completed the paperwork, paid the fee, and received a valid permit several days later, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Officials said the investigation later revealed that Koren sent several misleading emails to the company contracted by the township to handle business taxes, stating the Griffins were violating township tax law by running a portion of the business from their home.
Reports said the misinformation led to the Griffins receiving multiple tax bills and notices authored by Koren.
Koren included a photo of a van bearing The Caring Place logo in front of the Griffins’ home with a woman at the rear of the vehicle in one of her emails, according to the release.
“This is one of the many pictures I have received from Whitehall residents who are legitimately paying for a business license,” Koren said in the email.
Officers said the investigation revealed the photo of the van was taken from inside Koren’s home, indicating that she intentionally misled the business tax collection agency about the Griffins.
Koren’s bail is set at $5,000 unsecured, according to the release.