Local Concert Promoter Charged With Stealing $5,000 From Rival

A Wildwood Crest woman who has promoted concerts in South Jersey, including Tim McGraw in Wildwood in 2016, is facing charges of stealing $5,000.

The Cape May County Prosecutor charged Amanda Thomas, 25, Friday with theft by unlawful taking and computer criminal activity after she allegedly withdrew $5,000 from the victim’s bank account without the victim's knowledge, according to a statement.

If convicted, Thomas could be facing 3 to 10 years in prison.

The Press of Atlantic City quotes Thomas as saying the incident was simply a mistake.

“It was a mistake and it was a computer glitch that occurred,” Thomas said in a telephone interview. “I truly believe these charges have no truth to them. This will not stop any of the events that we are planning this summer.”

The city of Wildwood is interested in working with Thomas’ company, Boardwalk Entertainment, this summer to promote concerts and events on the beach.

As The Press of Atlantic City points out, this isn't the first time Thomas has been implicated in financial wrongdoing. In 2016, Ocean City police charged her with withdrawing $3,666 from the Betsy Young Memorial Fund and using the money for personal expenses. Betsy Young was a teacher Thomas had known when living in Ocean City and Thomas had started the fund herself to honor the teacher's memory.

Thomas pleaded not guilty in 2016 and enrolled in a one-year pretrial intervention program. The charge was later dismissed.

Sources: Cape May County Prosecutor, The Press of Atlantic City, Gloucester City News