Business Breakup Turns Into Alleged Cash Grab, Owner Claims Former Partner Kept Draining Company Account

The end of a business partnership has led to theft allegations after a Lawrence County business owner told deputies her former co-owner continued withdrawing money from the company's bank account—even after losing access to the business. According to a report filed with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the woman said she and another individual had co-owned a staffing company before the business relationship recently dissolved. She told deputies her former partner was removed from the company and lost access to the business bank account on June 29. What happened next, she claims, caught her completely off guard. According to the report, the former business partner allegedly linked a personal Chase credit card to the company's bank account and began making unauthorized transactions. Investigators say the first two transactions, totaling more than $1,400, occurred on June 30. A third withdrawal of $2,500 was allegedly made on July 2. In all, the reported unauthorized transactions totaled more than $3,900 in just a matter of days. The business owner told deputies she initially contacted authorities in West Virginia, but because the suspect resides in Lawrence County and the transactions allegedly originated there, she was directed to file the report with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. Perhaps the most significant piece of evidence, according to the report, is an audio recording. The business owner told deputies she recorded the former partner allegedly admitting to taking the money and stating she intended to continue removing funds from the business account every day. Deputies received the audio recording electronically, and it will be included as evidence in the investigation. The case remains under investigation. How to Protect Your Business After a Partnership Ends Financial experts say the period immediately after dissolving a business partnership is one of the highest-risk times for fraud and unauthorized transactions. If you're separating from a business partner, it's important to act quickly. Consider taking these steps immediately: Remove all authorized users from business bank accounts, credit cards, payroll systems, and payment apps. Change every password, including online banking, accounting software, QuickBooks, payroll services, email accounts, and cloud storage. Notify your bank in writing that ownership has changed and ask about placing additional fraud protections on the account. Review automatic payments and remove any personal credit cards or payment methods still linked to business accounts. Monitor accounts daily for several weeks after the separation and set up real-time transaction alerts. Document everything, including emails, text messages, recordings, bank statements, and screenshots if unauthorized transactions occur. Consult an attorney and your accountant as soon as possible to determine whether the dispute is civil, criminal, or both. Business breakups can become complicated quickly, especially when both parties previously had legitimate access to company finances. Acting promptly can help minimize losses and preserve evidence if criminal charges or civil litigation become necessary.

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