A Reading man faces a misdemeanor theft charge after police say he took $600 from a co-worker for a dog he never delivered.
Melvin Pearson, 40, is charged with one count of first-degree misdemeanor theft by deception.
In January, a woman reported a fraud to police in Pottsville. The woman told police she and Pearson worked together at a city business. During their employment, the victim said she was interested in getting a dog for daughter. Pearson said he was selling dogs.
They agreed on a price of $600. The woman wrote a check to Pearson, which police say he cashed. Pearson thentold the woman the dog was in Florida and he would have to get it before she received it, police say.
After Pearson received the check, he stopped showing up to work and left the area, police say. The woman attempted to text and call him regarding the dog but he never answered.
Police later contacted Pearson. He reported the situation was a misunderstanding, but admitted to cashing the $600 check. Police advised Pearson that charges would be pressed if the woman did not receive the dog in a reasonable time.
As of March 17, police made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach Pearson by phone.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27 at District Court in Pottsville.
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