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WILKES-BARRE — Jailed and unable to post bail on robbery charges, John Ricko Jr. asked to be released Wednesday because he may lose his apartment.
But Ricko, 32, was told to “stay put” because he may face additional charges related to the aftermath of an alleged robbery at Family Dollar in Ashley earlier this month.
Ricko, of Glen Lyon, and his girlfriend, Melissa Ann Doran, 32, of Warrior Run, separately appeared for their preliminary hearings in Central Court.
Ricko and Doran were charged by Ashley police for the alleged heist at Family Dollar on Dec. 2.
Police allege Ricko entered the store and placed three soda bottles on the counter. He later took a cash drawer containing more than $360 and fled in a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Doran, according to a criminal complaint.
About an hour later, police in Wilkes-Barre Township say they spotted the Pontiac in the parking lot of Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace on Highland Park Boulevard.
Ricko was driving the Pontiac when it was seen in Wilkes-Barre Township, police allege.
Ricko refused to stop and initiated a pursuit into Wilkes-Barre where he crashed into another vehicle and a boat in the area of 15 Gilligan St., court records say.
A child was with Ricko and Doran at the time of the crash and police allegedly recovered clothing stolen from JCPenney inside the vehicle.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Ricko waived charges of robbery and receiving stolen property to county court while charges of criminal conspiracy and theft were withdrawn.
Ricko asked to be released on unsecured bail because he may lose his Glen Lyon apartment for not paying rent.
But Assistant District Attorney Rachel Pugh and Ashley Officer Scott Davis said Wilkes-Barre Township officers may still file charges of fleeing and eluding against Ricko.
His attorney, Thomas Cometa, advised Ricko to stay in jail and wait to see if additional charges come.
District Judge Thomas Malloy modified Ricko’s bail from $35,000 straight to 10 percent, meaning Ricko will need to post $3,500 to be released. Ricko’s bail on the receiving stolen property charge is $1,000.
Doran was expected to be released from the county lockup Wednesday when Malloy modified her bail from $35,000 straight to unsecured on the robbery-related charges.
Doran waived charges of robbery, theft, criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property to county court. Her case is pending her acceptance into drug treatment court.
Ricko told police he robbed the Family Dollar because he needed money and a place to stay due to being evicted from his residence, the complaint says.
