Former Avis car rental employee accused of fraudulently renting out vehicles in exchange for cash, drugs
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A woman from Monroeville is accused of fraudulently renting vehicles out of an Avis rental car location in exchange for cash and drugs.
Police say that 40-year-old Jackie Neubauer is now a former car rental employee for four Avis locations, including the location along William Penn Highway in Monroeville.
Neubauer is accused of fraudulently renting vehicles for cash and heroin. She was fired earlier this month after the fraudulent transactions were discovered.
In a statement, an Avis Budget Group spokesperson said, "Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on the matter but we are assisting the authorities."
Police say that Neubauer admitted to accepting heroin from people who rented cars using fake driver's licenses, names, addresses, and credit card numbers.
According to court paperwork, an investigation by Avis revealed 15 vehicles that were fraudulently rented out have been reported stolen. The investigation also estimates that an additional 30 vehicles could be reported stolen by early January.
Avis told police that 92 fraudulent rental contracts have led to a loss of revenue of over $242,000 and the 15 stolen vehicles have a low average estimate of $25,000 each, with an estimated loss of value of approximately $375,000, totaling a current estimated loss of over $617,000.
Court paperwork says that Neubauer's standard practice was to rent cars for one month at a time for $1,000, without Avis collecting any proceeds.
When interviewed by police, Neubauer said she was paid in cash by a man who would re-rent the vehicle to his associates, who would then give Neubauer heroin in exchange.
Fifteen different vehicles have been identified by police as stolen, all rented between Oct. 19 and Dec. 9.
Police say that one of the fraudulently rented vehicles was used in a carjacking in Pittsburgh and another was used in the theft of over 35 catalytic converters in Uniontown and North Huntington.
At least three other fraudulent rentals were involved in high-speed pursuits that escaped Monroeville police.
Megan Knight tried to pick up a car from the Monroeville store in November. But instead of getting the rental that she paid for, she said she got pushback from Neubauer.
"I said there's like 10 cars sitting out back there, what do you mean you don't have a car for me? She goes those aren't for you," Knight said.
Police say that Neubauer is in custody and is awaiting arraignment on numerous charges, including forgery, theft, unlawful computer use, criminal conspiracy, and prohibited acts. Neubauer's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.
