BELL TWP., Pa., (EYT) – A local man is accused of selling items to a Punxsutawney jewelry store that were stolen from a residence in Bell Township, Jefferson County.
According to court documents, Punxsutawney-based State Police filed criminal charges against 31-year-old James A. Smiley.
Trooper Manns, of Punxsutawney-based State Police, investigated an incident in which jewelry had been stolen from a Ridge Road, Bell Township residence by an unknown person, sometime around August 5, 2017.
According to a criminal complaint, James Smiley identified himself to the staff at a Punxsutawney jewelry store, using his PA driver’s license, on two occasions. Records indicate that the first instance occurred on August 8, 2017, around 4:55 p.m., when he sold four gold necklaces and a ruby houndstooth ring to the store. He returned on August 21, 2017, at approximately 4:26 p.m., this time selling a Punxsutawney class ring.
The known victim confirmed that all six items belonged to her and that she had not given them to anyone else.
On March 1, after being read his rights, Smiley allegedly admitted to selling the jewelry to the Punxsutawney jewelry store in August of 2017. Smiley admitted to being at another’s house while his place of residence was being treated for flea infestation and stated that another person gave him the jewelry; however, he refused to cooperate further with the investigation, according to the complaint.
The jewelry store paid Smiley a total of $254.00. Upon realizing the necklaces and rings were stolen, they returned the items to the victim.
Restitution of $254.00 is to be paid to the jewelry store.
In addition, third-degree felony charges of Receiving Stolen Property were filed against Smiley on March 13.
He is currently lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is set for April 4, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.
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