On June 1, 2022 two known witnesses came to the station to report that three persons had taken their father’s debit card and used it extensively from March 2020 thru May 2020.
Sugarcreek Borough Police Department conducted an investigation into the allegation. Throughout the course of the investigation officers were able to determine through bank records, ATM withdrawals, and video surveillance that Robert Straw, 36, Jess Straw, 27, and Becky Leasure, 41, all of Franklin, had withdrawn through various means and point of sale purchases approximately $100,000 dollars from the known victim’s bank account.
Robert Straw, Jesse Straw, and Becky Leasure were arraigned on July 1, 2022 by Magistrate Kirtland on the following charges.
Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition – Felony 3 (1 count)
Financial Exploitation of an Older Adult or Care-Dependent Person – Felony 3 (1 count)
Theft by Deception – Felony 3 (1 count)
Receiving Stolen Property – Felony 3 (1 count)
Access Device Fraud – Felony 3 (1 count)
All three were released on $50,000 unsecured bail. Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 13, 2022 at 8:30 AM at the Venango County Courthouse.