2 Cassville residents facing charges after defrauding 23 people

Two people from Cassville, a husband and wife are facing numerous charges after defrauding 23 people of about $219,000. 75 year old Janet J. Udelhoven and 73 year old Paul A. Udelhoven were arrested late last week by Cassville Police and held in the Grant County Jail until making a court appearance Tuesday afternoon.  The 15 charges against Janet Udelhoven and 14 charges against Paul Udelhoven include Theft by False Representation along with Theft as Party to a Crime. The criminal complaint indicates the Udelhoven’s activity began in July of 2021. The Udelhovens told their victims they needed the money for medical bills, insurance, taxes and other reasons. The investigation also showed Paul and Janet Udelhoven initially had sent at least $110,000 of their own money to whom they believed was a distant relative in Germany.  Those transactions including wire transfers began in August of 2021. A number of people including the Cassville Police Chief and the security people at their bank warned the Udelhovens they were being scammed.  The victims include the Udelhoven’s son and Janet’s sister. Paul and Janet were released on signature bonds with a number of restrictions.