Police in Schuylkill County have identified a suspect in the recent theft of a sex swing and aluminum drive shaft in Schuylkill County.
Theft charges have been filed against Donald McLaughlin, 53, of Tamaqua. Police say McLaughlin lifted the items from two businesses along Route 61 in North Manheim Township last month.
According to court documents, police say McLaughlin parked his pickup truck at the rear of Adult Shop 61 and Boosted Diesel Performance at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 24. He then exited his vehicle and took a custom, one-piece aluminum racing drive shaft for a Dodge Ram that was out the garage doors of the shop. McLaughlin placed the item in the back of his truck, police say.
After that, police say McLaughlin walked into Adult Shop 61, saw the Whipsmart Bondage Pleasure Swing and placed it next to the shop’s exit. He then walked around the store for a bit, walked out, taking the sex swing with him, placing it in the cab of his truck and fleeing the scene.
McLaughlin was located two days later sitting in his truck at a parking lot in Landingville. When police confronted him, he allegedly admitted to taking the items. He said he scrapped the aluminum drive shaft for money and took the sex swing to an unknown woman in Schuylkill Haven.
Police say the value of the items McLaughlin is alleged to have taken is about $2,300 ($2,000 for the drive shaft and $300 for the swing). McLaughlin is being charged with misdemeanor counts of retail theft and theft.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 before Magisterial District Judge AJ Serina.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...