Police say stolen jewelry sold for drug money

BY STACI WILSON

Two men who allegedly cashed stolen items in for money and heroin now face charges inSusquehannaCounty.

Brandon Thomas Scott, 40,New Milford, and Stephen Smithbauer Jr., 46, Hop Bottom, have both been charged in connection with the April 3 burglary at the Estabook residence in New Milford Twp.

According to the affidavit, a 42-inch flat screen television and Carnival glassware was taken from the Estabrook home.

Police said Kathleen Estabrook checked local pawn shops for the items and discovered the stolen glass at Olivo’s, in Factoryville.

Felony burglary and conspiracy charges as well as theft and receiving stolen property counts have been lodged against Scott.

In a separate case also scheduled for a hearing Monday, Scott has also been charged with possession of a controlled substance after police allegedly found eight methone pills on him during a July 21 traffic stop.

Scott waived both Aug. 8 preliminary hearings in New Milford District Court.

He has also been charged in Montrose District Court with theft and receiving stolen property in connection with June 24 incident in Bridgewater Twp. A preliminary hearing on those charges is scheduled for Aug. 15 in front of District Judge Jeffrey Hollister.

Smithbauer has been charged with three felony conspiracy counts and one felony count of receiving stolen property in connection with the Apr. 3 incident.

Police also said the two men allegedly took money and jewelry in April from the Dennis residence.

According to the affidavit, Smithbauer sold jewelry at the Silver and Gold Expressions,Main St.,Binghamton,N.Y.

The transaction was photographed with Smithbauer’s identification, police said. The transaction was photographed with Smithbauer’s identification.

Some of the items pictured were identified as those stolen from the Dennis’ residence.

According to affidavit, Smithbauer admitted in a July 20 police interview to selling the jewelry at a pawn shop.

Smithbauer also told police he drove Scott to both the Estabrook and Dennis residences for Scott to break into.

Smithbauer admitted to police that he had a heroin problem.

Scott was interviewed by police on July 21 and, according to the affidavit, went with Smithbauer to pawn the stolen items inBinghamton.

Police said Scott also admitted to having a heroin problem.

According to the affidavit, Smithbauer said the men sold the glassware and jewlery and the television went to his heroin dealer.

Bail for both men has been set at $25,000.