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Wyoming Today
By the People, for the People
Former Teller Sentenced for Stealing $16,247 From Credit Union
Nicole Hilstolsky called 911 to report a fake armed robbery to cover up her theft.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:35pm
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A former teller at the now-defunct W.O.D. Federal Credit Union in Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 8 months in prison for stealing $16,247 from the credit union's cash drawer and calling 911 to report a fake armed robbery in an attempt to cover up her actions.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of employee theft and fraud at financial institutions, which can undermine public trust and lead to significant financial losses. It also demonstrates the lengths some individuals will go to conceal their crimes, including making false reports to law enforcement.
The details
Court records show that in 2018, Nicole Hilstolsky, a 48-year-old former teller, stole the $16,247 from the credit union's cash drawer and then called 911 to report that two armed men had robbed the lender and taken the security cameras. In reality, Hilstolsky had hidden the money inside the credit union until she could later pocket the funds. Prosecutors say Hilstolsky used the stolen money to pay off her debts.
- In 2018, Hilstolsky stole the $16,247 from the credit union's cash drawer.
- In 2025, Hilstolsky was caught embezzling $950 from her employer at the time, the U.F.C.W. Credit Union in Wyoming.
- In 2026, Hilstolsky was sentenced to 8 months in prison with 2 years of supervised release for the theft from the W.O.D. Federal Credit Union.
The players
Nicole Hilstolsky
A 48-year-old former teller at the now-defunct W.O.D. Federal Credit Union who stole $16,247 from the credit union's cash drawer and called 911 to report a fake armed robbery.
James M. Buchanan
An Assistant US Attorney who prosecuted the case against Hilstolsky.
W.O.D. Federal Credit Union
The now-defunct credit union where Hilstolsky was employed as a teller and from which she stole the $16,247.
U.F.C.W. Credit Union
The credit union where Hilstolsky was caught embezzling $950 in 2025, leading to the discovery of her previous theft from W.O.D. Federal Credit Union.
What they’re saying
“None of that happened. [Hilstolsky] emptied out the credit union of cash, she ripped out the security camera, and she hid those items while lying to the police and FBI. Due to her lies, the investigators spent time searching for dangerous, armed criminals, who did not, in fact, exist.”
— James M. Buchanan, Assistant US Attorney
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nicole Hilstolsky to be released on bail pending her appeal.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing issue of employee theft and fraud at financial institutions, which can undermine public trust and lead to significant financial losses. It also demonstrates the lengths some individuals will go to conceal their crimes, including making false reports to law enforcement.
