Schuylkill man charged in string of retail thefts in Berks
Apr. 17—A 42-year-old Schuylkill County man has been charged with running a retail theft scam at a Tilden Township store.
The scam involved Christopher Croneberger of Auburn visiting Lowe's, picking out items and then, without paying for them, returning them with a receipt he had previously obtained from another Lowe's store. Croneberger is accused of pulling the scam on seven occasions, including at the same store twice in one day.
Croneberger has been charged with seven counts of receiving stolen property, six counts of theft by deception and one count of retail theft.
He remained free following arraignment before District Judge Kim L. Bagenstose.
According to court documents:
All of the alleged crimes took place at the Lowe's store at 20 Wilderness Trail. Township police were alerted to the incidents by store officials, who provided video surveillance footage of each one.
The incidents took place March 24, March 25, March 26, April 1, April 2 and April 3.
On March 24, Croneberger is accused of pulling the scam twice, once around 9 a.m. and again just before 6:30 p.m.
Croneberger is accused of selecting a variety of items, including a closet system, lights, wire, insulation and ducts. The total value of the items was about $1,000 from the store.
