WARSAW TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Criminal charges have been filed against a Jefferson County man who was caught on camera stealing items from the Warsaw Sportsman’s Club.
Court documents indicate the DuBois-based State Police filed criminal charges against 65-year-old Gerald A Ross, of Reynoldsville.
According to a criminal complaint, around 10:20 p.m. on March 4, Trooper Blaniar, of the DuBois-based State Police, responded to the Warsaw Sportsman’s Club in Warsaw Township, Jefferson County, for a report of a theft.
Trooper Blaniar spoke with the organization’s treasurer who reported it was discovered that three Fixed Blade Sheffield Cervus knives and a black Nike backpack had gone missing from a table inside the club. She reported the knives were unopened, in the original packaging, and were valued at $9.99 each. The backpack was also new and valued at approximately $45.00. The treasurer said the items were donated to the club on February 19 and were to be used as prizes for a youth turkey shoot the club planned to hold in May.
The treasurer reported that after discovering the items were missing, she watched the security video of the inside of the club with other trustee members, and they were able to identify Gerald A. Ross carrying miscellaneous items out of the club from the area where the missing items had been placed at 4:00 p.m. on February 24, the complaint notes.
The treasurer provided Trooper Blaniar with a written statement and a copy of the security footage.
Trooper Blaniar interviewed Ross on March 5.
According to the complaint, Ross admitted to taking the three knives, the Nike backpack, and a t-shirt from inside the club. He allegedly stated he left 50 cents for each item and “thought he could take the items.” He then turned the items over to Trooper Blaniar.
The complaint notes that Trooper Blaniar also interviewed another club trustee member who reported the club had past issues with Ross removing items from the clubs. The trustee stated the knives and backpack were not for sale, and Ross should have known they were for the Youth Turkey Shoot. He also reported Ross did not leave any money for the stolen items.
According to the complaint, the organization president was also interviewed and stated the items were not for sale, and Ross should have known that.
One second-degree misdemeanor count of theft by unlawful taking was filed against Ross through Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak’s office on Monday, March 9.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, with Judge Bazylak presiding.
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Police: Man Caught on Camera Stealing Items from Warsaw Sportsman Club
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