Nov 6, 2012 2 min read

A Canonsburg woman was charged Tuesday by Canonsburg police with theft and theft by deception for allegedly taking money from acquaintances for a cruise but then never booking the trip.

Charges were filed at the office of District Judge David Mark against Bobbi Jo Turner, 36, of 208 Crawford St.

Police Sgt. Don Cross said he was contacted Oct. 18 by Barbara McCullough, Tracy Rice and Pamela Mitchell. The three Canonsburg women told Cross they paid money for a cruise on a Carnival ship.

All three women either work at or patronize the AGA Club in Canonsburg. Turner was identified as the person who was reportedly making the arrangements for the trip. The women either paid Turner by cash, which was witnessed by other people, or by check.

The cruise to Puerto Rico was to leave Oct. 18. Those going were to meet at the club Oct. 17 for a van ride to Pittsburgh International Airport, where they would catch a flight to Miami, Fla.

The vans never showed, police said. Turner reportedly went into the club and returned with a letter on Carnival letterhead signed by a company representative indicating the cruise ship, “Breeze,” was detained in Europe and the company was not able to honor their trip.

McCullough, Rice and Mitchell contacted Carnival and learned no cruises had been booked in Turner’s name. The company also was not able to verify the name of the person who allegedly signed the letter.

Cross contacted a travel agent who confirmed the company does have a ship called “Breeze,” but the cost of the cabins exceeds the amount collected by Turner.

A preliminary hearing will be scheduled before Mark.