PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — A former Punxsutawney auto parts store manager faces criminal charges after she allegedly attempted to break into a store safe and stole cash from registers.
Punxsutawney Borough Police filed the following charges against 32-year-old Brittney Marie Cochran, of Rossiter, on March 26, according to court records:
- Retail Theft — Take Merchandise, Misdemeanor 1
- Theft by Failure To Make Required Disposition of Funds, Misdemeanor 1 (two counts)
- Possession of Instrument of Crime, Misdemeanor 1
- Theft by Unlawful Taking, Misdemeanor 2
- Criminal Mischief — Damage Property, Summary
The criminal complaint said an internal investigation began after the store noted missing deposits.
According to the affidavit, a store manager witnessed Cochran on surveillance video on March 11. The affidavit stated Cochran retrieved a tool from the sales floor and brought it to the manager’s office.
According to the criminal complaint, Cochran removed the tool from its packaging without paying for it, and used it to try and access the store safe. Investigators said Cochran tried to remove deposits from the rear slot of the safe.
When she failed, she allegedly used a core key found inside the safe to try and remove a lock cylinder. The complaint said Cochran then used another tool to attempt to drill the handle of the deposit door. According to police, this activity lasted about 12 minutes.
The criminal complaint noted that Cochran was later seen on surveillance video removing cash from the store registers. Audits showed cash shortages of $100 on that date.
According to the affidavit, Cochran also marked down the price of a vehicle part from $100 to $40 as a favor to a friend.
When interviewed by a store manager on March 18, Cochran allegedly said, “I know where this is going. I’m not stupid, so I’m outta here.” The complaint said she then left the store and resigned.
According to court documents, Cochran was arraigned on April 27 and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 7 at 11:45 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.
