A Pottsville teenager is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he used a borough debit card to make thousands of dollars in unauthorized personal purchases.
Timothy Edmonds, 19, of Pottsville, was charged by Blythe Township Police in connection with the alleged misuse of a New Philadelphia Borough debit card.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, police were notified on December 1, 2025, of unauthorized transactions involving the New Philadelphia Borough debit card. Borough officials reported that Edmonds, who had been hired as a borough employee in October 2025, was temporarily authorized to use the debit card to purchase supplies from Lowe’s for borough business.
Investigators allege that while in possession of the card, Edmonds made numerous unauthorized purchases from non-borough vendors, including retail stores, restaurants, and smoke shops. None of the charges were related to approved borough business, police said.
The Borough Secretary reported noticing the suspicious transactions while reviewing financial records and contacted Edmonds, who initially denied making unauthorized purchases, according to court documents. During a meeting with borough officials, Edmonds allegedly admitted to making purchases at a smoke shop and failed to provide receipts for any authorized borough expenses.
Police obtained receipts and surveillance footage from multiple businesses, including Lowe’s in Pottsville and Tractor Supply in St. Clair, which investigators say showed Edmonds making unauthorized purchases. Further investigation also revealed transactions at Weiner Iron and Metal, where police say materials such as copper piping were sold, consistent with items previously purchased using the debit card.
Authorities allege that the unauthorized transactions resulted in a financial loss of approximately $8,152.99 to New Philadelphia Borough.
Edmonds has been charged with:
- Theft by Unlawful Taking (F3)
- Receiving Stolen Property (F3)
- Access Device Unauthorized by Issuer (F3)
- Misapplication of Entrusted/Government Property (M2)
Charges were filed on January 14, 2026. Edmonds was taken into custody on January 15, 2026, arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge James Reiley, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bail.
He remained incarcerated until January 23, 2026, when he posted bail through a bondsman and was released.
A preliminary hearing was held on January 27, 2026, where all charges were waived for court. The case will now proceed in Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.