Theft of Appliances

Sugarcreek Police investigated a theft that occurred on December 1, 2019 at 3782 U.S. 322. Victim was missing two Maytag washing machines, one Woods brand 6′ deep freezer, one mobile home hot water tank propane, one L.G. gas dryer and a Lincoin  tow behind welder.

Neighbor advised that she noticed a truck that had stuff in the bed pulling out from the victim’s location but didn’t think anything of it.

On December 16, 2019 a known female advised she thought she knew where the items would be at and contacted the victim. After this conversation Lt. Baker received a phone call from the victim advising that he can see his stolen property at the location near Lake Wilhelm. Pennsylvania State Police were contacted and met the victim at the location. They were able to recover the stolen hot water tank, the welder and one washer.

During another investigation officer was interviewing a suspect when he advised the he had bought a washer and dryer from Brandon Smith would told this person he stole the washer and dryer from a place near Bear’s Furniture on 322. The victim’s location is in the same area.

On December 16, 2019 officer interviewed Brandon Smith at the Mercer County Jail. He did state he and Christopher Shultz had stolen the items from the vicitim because the victim owed Smith money. When asked if Shultz knew the items were being stolen, Smith stated Shultz knew the didn’t belong to him. Smith did dtate the he traded the washer and dryer to the known suspect for a Husqvarna chainsaw and not money.

Brandon Smith and Christopher Shultz were both charged with felony 3 theft and felony 3 receiving stolen property.