Crime & Safety

Employee Stole Car, Checks from Palmer Dealership, Police Say

Easton man accused of taking car from Palmer Township dealer where he worked.

An Easton man is accused of stealing a car from a Palmer Township car dealership where he'd worked.

And township police say that investigation led them to another crime: the employee's theft of three checks meant for Brown Daub Kia customers.

Melvin Caldwell, 29, of 319 W. Wilkes-Barre St., was charged Thursday with theft, unauthorized used of a vehicle, forgery, receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

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According to court records, the investigation began when Caldwell's girlfriend contacted Brown Daub Kia and told the dealership one of its cars was parked at her house.

Police say video surveillance footage showed Caldwell taking a green Kia Soul on Feb. 15. Caldwell had been expected to come back to work Feb. 16, but didn't show up. Dealership management told police employees are not allowed to bring vehicles home.

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Court records say Caldwell told investigators he was afraid to bring the car back.

During the investigation, police also learned Caldwell had forged three checks meant for customers, pocketing $700, according to court records. Those forgeries happened between 2011 and 2012, police say.

Caldwell was arraigned before District Judge Richard Yetter of Wilson and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $40,000 bail.


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