YOUNG TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A local man was charged for reportedly stealing money that was left behind in a Walmart self-checkout register in Young Township.
Court records show Punxsutawney-based State Police filed criminal charges against 72-year-old Charlie Gambino, of Punxsutawney, in District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on May 16.
According to a criminal complaint, a known female reported a theft to PSP Punxsutawney that occurred at Walmart on State Route 119, Young Township, Jefferson County.
The victim stated that on May 10, at approximately 9:17 p.m., she was at the store using a self-checkout register to purchase Mother’s Day merchandise. While checking out, she selected the cashback feature and requested $60.00. She explained she was distracted while checking out and she forgot to take the cash from the register before leaving the store. She said she made it home before realizing she forgot the cash and returned to the store. However, when she checked the register, her money was gone. She noted she checked with Walmart staff and no money had been turned in, the complaint states.
According to the complaint, PSP Punxsutawney obtained video surveillance of the incident and observed the victim requesting cashback at self-checkout #45. An elderly male was later observed at the register wearing blue jeans and a gray sweatshirt. He was seen removing his wallet before he saw the $60.00 cash at the register. The male then took the money and placed it in his pants pocket before completing his transaction and exiting the store. The male was seen in the parking lot entering a dark Ford sedan before leaving the scene, the complaint indicates.
Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was determined to possibly work at a known restaurant in Punxsutawney Borough. Officers traveled to the restaurant and located the suspect vehicle in the parking lot. A query of the vehicle via PennDOT records came back registered to Charlie Gambino, of Punxsutawney. A driver’s license photo was obtained, and it matched the identity of the suspect, according to the complaint.
Officers interviewed Gambino, who admitted to being at Walmart and taking money that was hanging out of the self-checkout. He was asked if he had notified the employees about finding the money and he said no, the complaint notes.
Gambino was asked what he did with the money, and he said he still had it. He was then asked if that was his money, and he replied it was not. Gambino was apologetic and stated he should have turned the money in, however, he kept it, according to the complaint.
Gambino was charged with the following:
- Theft Property Lost Etc by Mistake, Misdemeanor 2
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 4, at 9:30 a.m. with Judge Mizerock presiding.