A Kutztown man has been arrested and charged in connection with a scheme that defrauded a local rental assistance program of approximately $14,000, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.
Kody A. Kirkland, 32, faces multiple felony charges, including Identity Theft, Forgery, Unsworn Falsification to Authorities, Theft by Deception, and Receiving Stolen Property. Authorities say the fraudulent activity involved the State Opioid Response (SOR) Rental Assistance Program administered by the Berks County Treatment Access and Services Center, Inc. (TASC).
An investigation launched in December 2024 revealed that fraudulent applications had been submitted for rental assistance funds, leading to the issuance of three checks, each valued between $4,000 and $5,000. One check was made payable directly to Kirkland, another to his mother, Ruby L. Kirkland, 55, of Ashland, and a third to Tyler J. Gabello, 25, of Lebanon, a known associate of Kody Kirkland.
Detectives determined that Kody Kirkland submitted falsified applications and created fake pay stubs to secure the funds. Authorities say he ultimately received the majority of the money after the checks were cashed, including splitting the proceeds of the third check with Gabello.
Kody Kirkland was apprehended in Thomasville, Georgia, on May 7 by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. He was returned to Berks County on May 20, where he was arraigned and bail was set at $10,000. He is currently being held at Berks County Jail in lieu of bail.
Both Ruby Kirkland and Tyler Gabello were charged earlier this month with Theft by Deception and Receiving Stolen Property. They surrendered voluntarily and were released on unsecured bail following arraignment.
Authorities remind the public that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
