ELLSWORTH – A Dedham woman was summoned for allegedly stealing $9,000 from her employer, Ellsworth police said Tuesday.

Charlotte Perkins, 40, allegedly admitted to stealing the money from Town Auto Sales where she worked, according to police.

Business owner Jon Partridge notified police in late July when he noticed receipts and money were missing from his records.

“There were only two possible suspects that handled the money,” said Detective Dotty Small, who investigated the case.

Perkins received cash from customers paying for cars through Credi-car, a service that allows people to pay for their cars in weekly payments. She was responsible for filing receipts and making bank deposits, according to police.

“Basically she would throw away the receipts and pocket the cash,” said Ellsworth Police Chief John Deleo.

Perkins admitted to taking $1,000, but denied stealing the entire $9,000, according to Deleo.

A press release from the Ellsworth Police Department on Tuesday said most of the money was taken in July, but Deleo added that some receipts dated as far back as January.

Perkins had worked at the business for a year and a half.

“She was quite a trusted employee. They liked her,” said Detective Small.

Perkins was fired from her position, according to police.

She will appear in Hancock County Superior Court on Sept. 18. If convicted, she could face up to five years in jail.