6/1/16
by News Department on 06/01/164 Charged in theft...
State Police at Schuylkill Haven have charged four employees of a Schuylkill County store with stealing money and using it on the Pennsylvania Lottery, along with other items.
According to Police, 51 year old Joan Lechleitner, her fiancé, 54 year old Kerry Titus, 25 year old Samantha Schaeffer, all of Pottsville and 21 year old Tyler Schappell, of Orwigsburg, were arraigned Tuesday afternoon on charges for allegedly stealing over $175,000 from the Cressona Agway, located on 22 North Second Street, where they all worked.
The thefts were reportedly made through fraudulent product returns between May 2011 and March 2016. The accused then reportedly spent the money on various items and according to authorities and the Pennsylvania Lottery, the four hit the Cash 5 Jackpot on September 11, 2015 for $261,000.
Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier arraigned the defendants on the charges and allowed each to remain free on $25,000 unsecured bail. He scheduled their preliminary hearing for July 5.
