South Strabane police charge several people with theft
South Strabane Township police filed theft-related charges against several people at the office of District Judge Jay Weller.
Kristen Harps, 36, and David Hillen, 35, both of 60 Carl Ave., North Strabane Township, were each charged with retail theft, conspiracy and theft by deception for allegedly stealing clothing from Kohl’s, Strabane Square, on two occasions and returning them in exchange for gift cards totaling $243. Police said when Hillen reportedly tried to return the items stolen Jan. 6, he was denied by store personnel because of the excessive number of times he returned items without a receipt.
Tara Rizzo, 28, of 910 Sheridan St., Monongahela, also was charged with retail theft after she allegedly stole items valued at $152 from Kohl’s last month.
Mitchell Merryman, 22, of Somerset, Somerset County, was charged with felony retail theft for allegedly stealing six items valued at $145 from Walmart, Trinity Point, Jan. 1.
Michael Cody Tatar, 28, of 805 Kennedy St., Monongahela, was charged with retail theft after he reportedly stole items valued at $648 from Lowe’s, Strabane Square, Dec. 28. Police said he took the items and tossed them over a fence in the lawn and garden area. He fled with the items in his vehicle before store security could stop him. He was identified through surveillance by an employee at the Belle Vernon store who recognized Tatar. He also faces a retail theft filed by Rostraver Township police stemming from an incident in October.