CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A former dental office employee is facing serious allegations after being accused of burglarizing Cranberry Dental Arts twice and tampering with sensitive business operations.
Police have identified Ciara Stawarz, a former employee from Ambridge, as the suspect. Stawarz reportedly resigned in September after a year at the dental practice. Following her resignation, she is accused of using insider knowledge and stolen credentials to carry out the crimes.
Surveillance footage and IP address records reveal that in October, Stawarz used her retained access keys to unlock the office door. Disguised in a wig and mask, she allegedly stole $1,600 in cash. But her actions didn’t stop there, according to authorities.
Investigators claim Stawarz also accessed the business’s credential login information, allowing her to view patient records, payment details, and scheduling data to determine the amount of cash available. Police say her unauthorized access disrupted operations, with 72 online patient registrations being altered, added, or deleted – impacting scheduled appointments and procedures.
“It’s wrong. Clearly, there was something going on, maybe with her coworkers or her boss,” commented local resident Dustin Bricker.
Police say Stawarz also targeted other locations owned by the same dentist, burglarizing Excel Dental offices in Scott Township and Moon Township. The business owner declined to comment on the ongoing case.
Stawarz now faces a warrant for her arrest and has been charged with 70 felony counts, including burglary. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full scope of her alleged crimes.
Could This Have Been Prevented?
This case raises an important question about how businesses handle security for former employees. Incidents like these highlight the need for tighter access control and proactive security measures. For example, companies like Amphion offer managed key systems and credential controls that could prevent unauthorized access after an employee resigns.
Such systems allow businesses to revoke access immediately – without needing to physically replace locks by using access control or restricted keying technologies. In cases where businesses manage sensitive information, these tools provide an added layer of protection by ensuring only authorized personnel have access to critical systems and data.
Amphion’s solutions also help track who accesses what and when, providing an audit trail that could deter potential misuse. With technologies like these, businesses might avoid costly disruptions.
While no security system is foolproof, the integration of proactive measures like these can significantly reduce risks and provide peace of mind for business owners – especially those in industries handling sensitive information or financial transactions.
