Linda Joann Kuhns, 60, of Oil City, was arraigned on the following charges on January 7 at Magisterial District Judge Amy Long Turk’s office:

• Identity Theft, Felony 3
• Identity Theft, Misdemeanor 1

According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion-based State Police Tpr. Mactavish, the investigation was initiated on October 19, 2018, when police received a report of an alleged identity theft involving a Knox man who is intellectually disabled.

Police received information indicating that the victim’s mother, Linda Kuhns, used his identity to create an account with Penelec.

The victim is care defendant and resides with his father and a known woman who serve as his caretakers.

On December 10, 2018, police obtained a Penelec electric bill dated November 30, 2018, that was in the victim’s name and listed a service address matching Kuhn’s .

The total amount of charges to the account were $375.39, including an outstanding balance of $119.16.

On December 13, 2018, Tpr. Mactavish spoke with Kuhns who stated she put the electric bill in her son’s name because she had
an overdue bill with Penelec, according to the criminal complaint.

Kuhns faces a preliminary hearing on January 15 at 10:45 a.m. with Judge Long-Turk presiding.

She remains free on $1,000.00 unsecured bail.