Couple in trouble after spending Sh11m transferred to their account by mistake

A couple who allegedly blew Sh11 million after it was paid into their bank account by mistake, are now facing a prison sentence for theft.

Robert and Tiffany Williams, based in Pennsylvania, US, are facing theft charges and over Sh13.7 million – Sh11 million - in overdraft fees, after reportedly using money that was deposited into their bank account by mistake.

Speaking to WWMT, officials said the couple had the money paid into their account on May 31 through a mistake by a teller.

Instead of contacting the bank about the money, they then allegedly blew the cash in two and a half weeks between June 3 and June 19.

"That is kind of shocking, with all the procedures the banks have set up, checking and double-checking and triple-checking there's no way anybody gets away with that stuff," explained neighbour Nate Weaver.

The duo allegedly bought an SUV, two four-wheelers, a camper and a car trailer with the cash.

They also used the money to cover bills, car repairs, cash purchases and even gave Sh1.9 million to friends in need.

"I would check in with the bank first before I didn't anything, I`m not that dumb but some people do stupid things sometimes," said Robert Painton, another neighbour.

Once the bank realised its mistake, it transferred the Sh15.4 million to the right account.

The lender then contacted Tiffany Williams on June 20 to tell her she had to repay the Sh13.7 million – Sh11 million - in overdraft fees they had incurred.

On June 21, the bank called again. Tiffany said she and her husband would work on a payment plan.

Court papers show after the initial phone calls from the bank, the couple had no contact with bank representatives, despite several attempts by the bank to contact them.

The couple are now facing felony theft charges - both Robert and Tiffany Williams have been released on Sh3.2 million bail.