YOUNG TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for a Punxsutawney woman who is facing theft by deception charges stemming from the sale of nearly $35,000.00 worth of timber that was under a lien.
Court documents indicate Punxsutawney-based State Police filed criminal charges against 70-year-old Lana Sue Laughbaum, of Punxsutawney.
According to a criminal complaint, Lana Laughbaum entered into the following agreements with the three different individuals or companies for timber located in Young Township, Jefferson County:
– Timber contract dated December 7, 2017: The victim paid Laughbaum $7,500.00 for the timbering of land located at 391 Laughbaum Drive.
– Timber contract dated December 13, 2017: The victim paid Laughbaum $7,000.00 for the timbering of land located at 391 Laughbaum Drive.
– Timber contract dated December 15, 2017: The victim paid Laughbaum $20,000.00 for the timbering of land located at 391 Laughbaum Drive.
A lien had been placed on her land on January 7, 2016, that barred Laughbaum from selling any more timber until the lien was satisfied.
Based on the investigation, the following charges were filed against Laughbaum in Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Monday, March 19:
– Theft By Deception-False Impression, Felony 3 (three counts)
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 9, with Judge Mizerock presiding.
A certified summons was issued on March 19.
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