Authorities with the Tyrone Borough Police Department say a local man is facing multiple felonies, accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of lottery tickets from a tobacco shop, where he was employed.
Police say 43-year-old James McAleer is accused of stealing a total of 10 packages of lottery tickets, worth approximately $4,800, from the Puff Super Value tobacco shop in Tyrone.
According to the affidavit, police say the thefts occurred between February and June of 2021, and McAleer was suspected of selling them outside of the store.
Police say the store’s manager allegedly questioned McAleer about the stolen tickets, at which time he admitted to possessing some of them and told her that he “intended to pay for them at a later time.”
Authorities say, upon further investigation, surveillance video from inside the tobacco shop reportedly showed McAleer using a computer terminal to “activate” the tickets.
Police say further surveillance video, taken from nearby convenience stores, showed McAleer “cashing” the stolen tickets.
According to online court records, McAleer faces several charges including unlawful use of a computer and theft.
He was released on unsecured $50,000 bail.