NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — A New Bethlehem woman is facing a theft charge after police say she pocketed cash from a lost wallet found outside a local grocery store before turning the wallet in to store staff.
According to court documents filed by the Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department, 50-year-old Donna Kay Thomason was charged on July 22 following an investigation into an incident at a grocery store on Broad Street.
The criminal complaint states that Chief Robert Malnofsky responded to the store on June 22 after receiving a theft report. According to the affidavit of probable cause, a customer called the business to inquire about a lost wallet. Store staff reported that a woman had handed in the wallet before the phone call, the affidavit continues.
The owner returned to the store to collect the wallet and noticed $45 in cash was missing. According to the complaint, store security camera footage showed Thomason finding the wallet in the parking lot. Camera footage captured Thomason removing the cash from the wallet as she entered the store before handing the wallet to an employee, the complaint continues.
According to the criminal complaint, Chief Malnofsky identified the vehicle driven by Thomason and interviewed her at the police station on July 13. The affidavit states Thomason provided a written statement admitting she took the money before handing over the wallet. Police say that Thomason spent the money on groceries and gasoline for herself.
According to court records, Thomason is charged with the following offense:
Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Misdemeanor
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 18 at 11:30 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller.