Authorities say a Windber man is facing charges, accused of stealing a bag of cash that an 83-year-old individual unknowingly dropped at a Cambria County business.
According to a press release from the Cambria County District Attorney’s office, Richland police were contacted by state police on April 12 for a report of a financial crime where the victim reportedly lost approximately $20,000.
Authorities say the victim told police that she had recently visited the One Stop Smoke Shop, located along Eisenhower Blvd.
Investigators say police and store employees searched the business for the money but could not find it.
Upon further investigation, police reviewed surveillance video at the shop which reportedly showed the 83-year-old victim accidentally drop a blue bank bag containing the cash, without realizing that he did so.
Police say the video then shows an unidentified man pick up the bag and leave the store.
Authorities say the suspect was later identified as 27-year-old Alex Wonders.
Police say on April 14, Wonders was taken into custody and was arraigned to the Cambria County Prison, on $75,000 bond.
Authorities say Wonders faces one count each of theft of lost or mislaid property and receiving stolen property.
“Just because you find something, doesn’t mean that you get to keep it, the property still belongs to its rightful owner. Sometimes, as in this case, people misplace or lose property that is extremely important and valuable to them. If you find property, do the right thing and turn it over to authorities. Our hearts go out to the 83 year old victim. I commend Richland Police Department, PSP, and One Stop Smoke Shop owner and employees for working together effectively on this case,” said Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer.
