Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A 32-year-old Levittown man who police say pawned his grandmother’s jewelry was arrested recently.
On October 18, Bristol Township police responded to a call from a woman on Stream Lane who alleged that her grandson, 32-year-old James McKinney, had stolen jewelry items from her and pawned them at a nearby pawnshop on Veterans Highway, according to court documents.
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McKinney’s grandmother provided police with pawn receipts for the missing items, which all had her grandson’s signature on them, police say. A 14kt ring valued at $3,500, an 18kt ring valued at $1,700, as well as a 14kt necklace valued at $550 were reported missing, according to court papers.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, while police visited the residence another family member alleged that McKinney had also stolen from her. According to the victim, the only item left of hers that had not been melted down was a 14kt ring valued at $800.
McKinney’s cousin stated to police that he had confronted the 32 year old about the missing jewelry and that McKinney had admitted to stealing and pawning the items. According to court papers, his cousin met McKinney in Philadelphia so he could give him the signed pawn receipts, which would allow the original owner to take possession of the items again.
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The total loss for the items is approximately $6,500.
Bristol Township police issued a warrant for McKinney’s arrest on October 22. He is being charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, both felonies. He was arrested in early November and released Friday from jail on $50,000 unsecured bail.
