LOGAN — A 47-year-old Brigham City woman has admitted to stealing more than $3,500 from an organization that helps provide assistance to low-income individuals. Trista Poulsen was originally arrested in October 2023 after a warrant was issued by a judge.
According to prosecutors, Poulsen applied for housing assistance from the Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG), who provide short-term help for people who are homeless. She was approved to stay at a local hotel for several weeks.
Poulsen was later hired by the hotel and began working as a front desk secretary. Despite her employment, records showed she continued to use BRAG’s credit card for additional stays.
Prosecutors report Poulsen was able to bypass BRAG’s approval system and charge the credit card for her stays. Records show she used the organization’s credit card for a total of $3,569.56.
BRAG also paid for Poulsen’s deposit on an apartment in Brigham City prior to learning of the fraudulent use of their credit card.
According to court records, Poulsen appeared May 12 in Logan’s 1st District Court. She accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to unlawful use of a financial card, amended to a class A misdemeanor.
As part of the resolution, an additional charge was dismissed.
Poulsen was sentenced to 24 months of probation. She was also ordered to pay back $3,569.56 to BRAG.