sort of been there
What happened to the western union money? Did she receive it and did the bill ever get paid? I don't think it's really "out of her hands" especially as long as Visa got their money.
I was arrested late December for 10 counts of credit card fraud which is really stupid because I worked in the cash office at the store that accused me of using it. Like I would have used it in my on place of work. I have yet to get to a trial and my lawyer said before he doubted I would. He has requested the "evidence" and a month later hasn't received anything.
My non-legal opinion here is this: if the money hasn't been paid, you will have to pay it back. In my case, the owner of the card filed the charges and not VISA. May vary by state. Because it's less than $1000 if it goes as far as an arrest warrant, plead guilty, explain if given the chance and pay it back. It should be classified as a misdemeanor and a small fine (if that) is the worse I'd expect.
Hopefully someone with legal expertise can help you additionally but I do know how you feel because mine made the front page of the paper and I was as innocent on mine as a person can get. Good luck.