On March 2, 2026, Orono Police received a check fraud report from the 500 block of Kokesh Farm Road in Orono, Hennepin County. The caller M. D. Reported that his ex-wife A. D. Passed away on 02/26/2026 and that he and his son were coordinating to sort out A. D.'s estate. M. D. Reported that A. D. Had spent some time in an addiction center and befriended another patient, HEATHER ANNE SPILLANE [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein. A. D. Hired Defendant to help around the house and take care of her pets.
Defendant discovered A. D. Had passed away and continued to help with the house. M. D. Told police that A. D. Wrote Defendant a check for Defendant's services from 02/22/2026-03/03/2026. M. D. Stated that he notified A. D.'s bank of her passing so they put a freeze on all of her accounts. M. D. Was later notified by Morgan Stanley of a suspected fraudulent check #2602 written to Defendant for $3,500. The check was for services through 03/01/2026, which overlapped with the dates on the last check.
M. D. Reported that A. D. Left her checkbook out where Defendant would have had easy access. M. D. Provided copies of both checks and police noted that the handwriting and letters on the checks were different and appeared to be much less neat. The signatures also appeared different and did not include a large 'A' or the middle initial. The check was dated 02/26/2026 even though A. D. Was discovered deceased around 4:43 P.M. And the medical examiner estimated she had been deceased for more than 12 hours.
M. D. Also told police he was concerned that Defendant had taken valuables from the house possibly including Rolex watches and/or authentic diamond jewelry. Police obtained a search warrant and received account information for Defendant's Wings Financial Credit Union. The account showed the fraudulent check deposited February 27, 2026, with Defendant's signature on the back. The check was not credited to her account because it was flagged. On March 10, police received a voicemail from M. D. Regarding a conversation he had with Defendant.
M. D. Stated Defendant was honest about forging the check and claimed she has bills to pay. Defendant was remorseful and crying. Defendant also admitted to taking the missing Rolex watch and returned it. On March 11, 2026, police spoke with Defendant and she stated it was great to talk with M. D. And come clean about the check situation. Defendant stated she made a large mistake but needs to stay honest. At present, Defendant is not in custody.
