Five accused of defrauding Fay-West area businesses
CONNELLSVILLE – Police have filed charges against three adults and two juveniles after they allegedly defrauded several local businesses. A myriad of charges have been filed against Donnell Nicole Black, 19, of 130 Polecat Hollow Road; Joshua J. McDuffie, 19, of 54 E. Highland Ave., Uniontown; Joseph Bruce Dix, 20, of 960 Buchanan Road, White; and a 17- and 15-year-old juvenile.
Police said the five went into two businesses April 3 and cashed in coin rolls filled with copper tubing instead of coins.
Investigating officer Det. Lt. James Bilecki said the five also defrauded other business owners in South Connellsville, Scottdale and Mount Pleasant with the alleged “coin” rolls.
A joint investigation with the other departments and state police continues.
Additionally, the teens are charged with theft of services for ordering food at a North Pittsburgh Street restaurant and leaving without paying the bill, also on April 3.
According to police, Black and McDuffie are charged with two counts each of criminal conspiracy, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy. Dix has been charged with two counts each of theft by deception, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
The juveniles are charged with two counts each of theft by deception, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
A preliminary hearing for Black, McDuffie and Dix will be scheduled later before District Justice Ronald Haggerty.
The Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office will conduct hearings for the two juveniles.