More charges leveled in theft ring

BY STACI WILSON

Additional theft charges have been lodged against aNew Milfordman police say stole jewelry and coins to cash in for drug money.

Brandon Scott, 40, has been charged with criminal conspiracy – theft by unlawful taking in connection with an incident onWilliams Pond Rd.,BridgewaterTwp.

Scott already faces charges inSusquehanna County Courton other theft related and possession charges.

He waived his preliminary hearing Monday on the most recent charged. Bail on the latest count was set at $10,000.

According to police, Scott assisted David Shahriari, 28, New Milford, who has also been charged, in the theft of coins and jewelry. Shahriari is also known by the name, David Anderson.

The victim told police numerous items had been taken from her residence, including a gold wedding band, gold bracelet, an antique gold watch, a box of silver coins, guns, two checks and her wallet.

She told police the items had been taken over the course of two months, between June and August of this year and she identified Shahriari as a suspect.

Scott was interviewed by police on July 21 on the other burglaries and was also asked by police about the coins and jewlery from theWilliams Pond Rd.residence.

Stephen Smithbauer Jr., 46, Hop Bottom, who was also charged in the New Milford Twp. burglary, told police in a July 20 interview that Scott had contacted him for a ride and Scott had silver coins with him.

Smithbauer told police that Scott said the coins were from theWilliams Pond Rd.residence and the two men took them to a pawn shop inBinghamton,N.Y.

According to the affidavit, Scott told police the items were left in the barn for him to pick up and that he took them and cashed them in.

Scott told police the money was split three ways with Shahriari, Smithbauer and himself each receiving $300.

In addition to theft charges, Shahriari also faces two felony forgery counts. No preliminary hearing date has been set yet for Shahiari.