A Lasell University student was arrested this week after she allegedly stole more than half a million dollars from her former employer.
According to Boston.com, 19-year-old Ariel Foster was taken into custody Wednesday after local authorities executed a search warrant on her residence and dorm room. The student was accused of carrying out an elaborate credit card scheme at Lovisa—a Burlington Mall jewelry store where she previously worked.
Burlington police chief Thomas Browne said Foster would increase the price of merchandise she scanned at the register, and would refund the difference to her own credit card. Police said the student stole a total of $547,187 in eight illegal transactions throughout February.
“My personal opinion is greed took over,” Browne said, as reported by NBC Boston. “When I first saw the amount, I was surprised. I thought it was a mistake.”
Authorities reviewed Foster’s bank account and determined she had used the stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle. She allegedly dropped $35,000 on a Tesla, $5,000 on Louis Vuitton pieces, $6,000 on Delta Airlines tickets, more than $20,000 on a hotel stay in Maui.
According to Burlington PD, Foster initially denied being at the store when the theft was committed, but ultimately confessed to the crime when she learned police had reviewed her bank statements.
Foster was charged with larceny over $1,200 and has since been released on $1,000 bail.
A spokesperson for Lasell University told WCVB the student remains enrolled in the school as they conduct their own investigation.
“We are aware that a Lasell University student was arrested on Wednesday, March 8,” the representative said. “The responsibility of all students to comply with local, state and federal laws applies both on- and off-campus.”
