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New Hampshire banker accused of stealing nearly $100K from customer

A former banker in New Hampshire is accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from a customer.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — A banker in New Hampshire is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a customer's bank account, allegedly using the money to buy everything from manicures to family vacations.

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For five years, Britt Landsperger oversaw the day-to-day business of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, TD Bank branch until investigators said one of her own employees grew suspicious of Landsperger's relationship with a 68-year-old customer.

"The investigation started in late spring, believe it was May, she was arrested a few weeks ago," New Hampshire Assistant Attorney General Brandon Garod said.

According to court documents, that victim was a retired teacher who had suffered a cerebral aneurysm and had problems with her memory.

Investigators said Lansperger offered to help the woman with her finances and developed a close relationship, but soon, Portsmouth Police said Landsperger began to treat the victim's account as her own personal ATM.

"She has been charged with seven counts of felony theft by unauthorized taking, Garod said.

Over several years, police said Landsperger stole nearly $100,000 from the retired teacher, admitting to police she used the money for "Everything -- rent, car payments, son's graduation and a family summer vacation to SeaWorld."

When police arrested Landsperger, she blamed the thefts on "depression," saying she was "overwhelmed as a single mother taking care of her own mother."

"Anytime you have somebody that's taking advantage of someone else, it's obviously not acceptable," Garod said.

But prosecutors said the bank itself is now stepping in to help the woman whose money they were entrusted to protect.

"The money actually has been paid back to the victim by TD Bank," Garod said.

Landsperger was unavailable for comment, but according to court records, she was fired by TD Bank. She will be arraigned in Portsmouth next month.