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Two charged for alleged roles in thefts

2 min read
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Two Washington women were charged this week by South Strabane Township police for their alleged roles in returning merchandise that was stolen from a sporting goods store in exchange for gift cards.

Amy J. Cornell, 43, of 1149 Bruce St., and Ashley June Williams, 23, of 173 Caldwell Ave., are charged with theft by deception, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

The two are accused of returning the items allegedly stolen in late July and early August by Rachel R. Phillips, 35, of 138 Christman Ave., East Washington. Phillips was arraigned last week before District Judge Jay Weller on five counts of felony retail theft and one count of conspiracy. She was released on her own recognizance.

Phillips is accused of going into Field & Stream at Old Mill on five occasions and stealing hunting and fishing items. She then allegedly gave the items to Cornell and Williams, who are accused to taking those items to Dick’s, Strabane Square, and exchanging them for gift cards.

Twenty-five minutes after the July 30 theft, Cornell allegedly returned items to Dick’s for a $316.90 gift card, which included the price of the items plus sales tax. Police said Williams made two successful returns of items allegedly stolen by Phillips for $247.99 and $259.89. On Aug. 4, Williams allegedly tried to return items but was denied because employees of Dick’s were warned by Field & Stream employees the items likely were stolen. Williams left the store with the merchandise, police said.

Phillips allegedly told Detective Ken Torboli, who filed the charges, that she split the proceeds of the gift cards with Cornell and Williams.

The charges against Cornell and Williams will be sent by summons from Weller’s office. All three women are scheduled for Nov. 14 preliminary hearings before Weller.

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