Kingston Couple Falls Victim to Fraud: Travel Agency Owner Charged in Scandal

On Thursday, Kingston law enforcement filed accusations against the proprietor of a local travel agency — a woman already charged with embezzling thousands from clients across two counties — for deceiving a couple who arranged an expensive holiday through her services.

Eileen Marie Miner, 69, residing at 309 Atlantic Ave., West Pittston, is alleged to have defrauded the couple through her Thompson Tours Travel Agency after they provided $7,910 for a journey to Spain and Portugal, which included $520 for a travel insurance plan.

As per the complaint, one of the victims experienced a medical emergency that hindered them from embarking on the October 2023 journey and requested a reimbursement of $7,390 — the total cost of the vacation minus the insurance premium.

Miner informed them that she would submit a claim and that it would probably take a while to receive the funds, as reported by the police.

However, the funds never materialized, and when the victims sought out Chubb Travel Insurance, they discovered that Miner had not secured a policy, despite having made payment for one, according to the complaint.

Authorities charged Miner with felony allegations of fraudulent business operations and theft. Court documents revealed she had not yet been arraigned on the accusations by Friday.

Miner is presently facing theft and fraud-related allegations in more than two dozen incidents in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties concerning her travel agency.

Miner’s agency has identified victims in Edwardsville, Wright Twp., Hanover Twp., West Pittston, Pittston Twp., and Duryea.

She is still detained at the Lackawanna County Jail, where she is awaiting trial on 17 cases pending in that area.

Originally Published: January 17, 2025 at 7:47 AM EST