The aunt of a critically ill young woman awaiting a heart transplant has been arrested and accused of stealing more than $25,000 in public donations.

Jessica Bondar, now 19, fell ill in April 2009 with what she thought was the flu. Within half a day, she was on life-support after heart failure.

Public donations were called for to help with the medical bills and an account was set up. Classmates and complete strangers donated about $40,000.  

But in November 2009, Bondar said the money vanished from the bank account and a complaint was lodged.

"By the time I went to take some out, there was 62 cents," Bondar told CTV News. "I want my money back."

Bondar said her aunt, Sheryl Matheson, opened and was in charge of the account.

Winnipeg police allege a 38-year-old woman withdrew a large amount from the account for her own personal use between June and October 2009.

According to a 2009 Winnipeg Free Press article, Bondar was staying with her aunt to finish high school, while her parents and siblings moved to Montreal.

Police say the woman, who they only identified as the aunt of the critically-ill victim, was arrested on March 23rd and released with the promise to appear in court.

Police say the woman will be charged with fraud over $5000.00 and theft over $5000.00.