GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A woman in central Nebraska is facing multiple charges after deceiving customers for headstones they never got. 

45-year-old Kelli Lepler of Grand Island owns headstone company Monument Advisors. The Hall County Attorney charged her on Monday with 43 counts of theft.

Lepler’s charges include 36 felony counts of theft by deception (more than $5,000), four misdemeanor counts of theft by deception ($501 to $1,499) and three misdemeanor counts of theft by deception ($0 to $500). 

According to court documents, a victim reported to the Grand Island Police Department on Apr. 4 that she bought a headstone from Lepler in 2021, but hadn't received the headstone. She reportedly paid Lepler $7,510.72. 

Since April, police have received an additional 68 reports of people paying the company but never getting anything in return.

Police have conducted three interviews with Lepler. A police investigator concluded that Lepler was struggling financially and would rely on new customers' payments to fulfill old orders. She couldn't provide documentation that the alleged victim's orders were in the manufacturing and installation process.

Michelle Tatro is one of the people listed as a victim in the case. She says the criminal charges are a small step in the right direction.

“I like to see no plea deals and full charges pressed," Tatro said. "This is Nebraska and these corrupt business practices are taken seriously by the courts.”

Lepler has received a total of $258,404.34 from 43 victims. She was not charged in the other 25 cases because the company could show it made progress on the orders.

A judge issued an arrest warrant for Lepler on Monday. The warrant has not been returned and no court dates have been set.