Hollywood Casino Penn National Ex-Employee Suspected of Stealing $700K+

State police are on the trail of a 53-year-old woman who worked at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Pennsylvania, and who is accused of misappropriating at least $727,446 from the property, allegedly by abusing her position as a bookkeeper.

The police were first tipped off by Hollywood Casino Penn National management, who discovered irregularities in their accounting books and requested assistance from law enforcement. The investigation began on March 17, 2025, after employees reported suspicious activity.

Employee in the Center of a Penn National Missing $700K+

Another employee, who was filling in while the suspect was on medical leave, noticed discrepancies in the bookkeeping system. They reported fictitious accounts and unidentified businesses and individuals involved in large transactions from the Penn National holding account.

Narrowing down the list of suspects was not too difficult, as only three employees had access to the bookkeeping system and the relevant accounts. The suspect’s role also included issuing physical checks on behalf of the casino, which police allege was used to facilitate the scheme.

Along with this, irregular paperwork and negative account balances amounting to tens of thousands of dollars prompted a closer investigation. Authorities allege that the discrepancies date back to June 2024, shortly after the suspect began working at Penn National. The total sum of missing funds was eventually determined to be $727,446.65.

Police have identified the suspect as Jennifer Petrillo, 53, formerly of Palmyra and now residing in Manheim. Investigators allege they were able to trace the funds to accounts linked to her.

According to police, the money was used for a variety of personal expenses, including spa treatments, plastic surgeries, LEGO purchases, a Tesla Model 3, as well as transfers through Cash App and investments via Robinhood.

Petrillo has been charged with multiple felony offenses, including theft, forgery, computer trespassing, and unlawful use of a computer. She was arraigned on March 12, and bail was set at $10,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24.

She faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.