News

June 25, 2008

Worker charged in jewelry theft

Employee was working on home when he allegedly took a necklace and two bracelets.

JEN MARCKINI jmarckini@timesleader.com

WEST PITTSTON – An employee of a contractor hired to replace windows and siding on a residence has been charged with a first-degree felony count of burglary after he allegedly stole jewelry while he was working on the home, police said.

Dustin Barrett, 19, of Exeter, was charged June 10 with burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property, a second-degree felony, according to West Pittston police and court records. The police affidavit alleges Barrett was working with a contractor at 104 Pacific Ave. On May 31, Candice Chilek, the homeowner, had left her home briefly.

Barrett is accused of entering the home and going through Chilek’s belongings, police said.

Police said Barrett removed two diamond tennis bracelets from one bedroom and a gold necklace from another bedroom.

The items were worth approximately $1,500, according to police. The necklace, valued at about $1,000, was pawned at a precious metals dealer in Exeter for $90. Police said Barrett then threw both bracelets out of his moving vehicle when he learned police wanted to talk to him.

The two bracelets, according to police, were later recovered. The necklace had been melted down, police said.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled July 15 at Central Court.

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