A 55-year-old Guadalupe County woman who has been arrested more than a dozen times on fraud-related charges is now accused of using a grieving family’s tragedy to collect money for a fundraiser the family says it never authorized. Investigators believe Lisa Miculka may have targeted additional people and are asking anyone who paid her or bought tickets to come forward.
According to KSAT 12 News, investigators say Miculka promoted a plate sale while claiming the proceeds would benefit the family of Ty Abel, a 20-year-old man killed in a motorcycle crash earlier this year. The family says it never requested financial help, while one store worker told KSAT she paid $35 for meal tickets and never received the food.
Family Says Fundraiser Was Never Authorized
Abel’s death was reported by Seguin Today, which said the McQueeney man died after a motorcycle crash on State Highway 46 North near Seguin. His relatives told KSAT that Miculka allegedly visited businesses and described the collection as burial assistance, despite the family having no need for funeral donations.
The alleged plate-sale scheme was not the only incident described in the investigation. A store employee told KSAT 12 News that Miculka collected payment, then disappeared without providing the meals, leaving the buyer and other customers to report the losses to authorities. Miculka has not been charged in connection with this case.
Investigators Ask Possible Victims To Speak Up
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents not to give Miculka money and says investigators believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information about the alleged schemes can contact the sheriff’s office at 830-379-1224.
For people who may have purchased tickets, donated cash or received messages about the fundraiser, investigators are asking them to preserve receipts, messages and other records before contacting deputies. The case remains an investigation, and allegations against Miculka have not been tested in court.
