Man shoplifts, again, at Friendly Food Mart in town, police say
Also accused of shoplifting at Family Dollar
SHENANDOAH – A man, previously accused of defiant trespass and shoplifting, is facing more charges, including felony criminal trespass, after police say he returned and stole more items.
Thomas Melusky, 37, who has no fixed address according to court documents, is now facing charges of felony and misdemeanor criminal trespass and retail theft from three more criminal complaints filed by Shenandoah Police this month.
All of the criminal complaints were filed in Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker’s Shenandoah courtroom.
In one, Patrolman Hugh Clinton said he was called to the Friendly Food Mart on South Main Street just before 2:30pm on Sept. 4 for a reported retail theft.
There, he was told by a cashier that Melusky, who was previously banned from the store, came in and asked for credit to buy two beers and a pack of cigarettes. He was told no, and police said he took them anyways and walked out.
In another, Patrolman Mark Hysock said he was on patrol on Sept. 8 just before 1pm when he saw Melusky walking away from the Friendly Food Mart with a 24 ounce can of Steel Reserve in hand.
Hysock, knowing Melusky’s history with the establishment, made contact with the man at Main and Laurel Streets.
Melusky, Hysock wrote, immediately told the patrolman that “I know I’m not supposed to be there and I’m sorry for stealing the beer but I won’t go back there ever again.”
Melusky was taken into custody at that point and Hysock returned to the store with the can of Steel Reserve and requested a receipt for the value of the beverage.
Then, on Sept. 9, Patrolman Mindy Petrus said she was called to the Family Dollar on West Centre Street for a report of shoplifting just before 9pm.
When she arrived, Melusky was standing outside with items he allegedly took from the store without paying. He was accompanied by an assistant manager from the store.
Petrus wrote that Melusky “admitted to taking the items but could not provide an explanation as to why.”
According to the criminal complaint, he had $53.60 worth of merchandise, including cheese, duct tape, t-shirts, locking tape, bread, peanut butter cups, and ham.
The assistant manager told police that they repeatedly told Melusky to leave, to which he said he wasn’t done his shopping.
Melusky was arraigned and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post 10% of $10,000 bail.
He will appear for a preliminary hearing in Shenandoah on Sept. 28.
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