Man damages borrowed truck, doesn't return it

A Tamaqua man faces charges after he failed to return a truck he borrowed on Feb. 14.

John Bieniek, 50, of 315 Washington St., borrowed the 2005 Dodge truck from the victim, saying he was going to use it to get parts for his car and to take cans to the recycling center.

When he didn't return the truck by Feb. 19, the victim tried contacting him but received no response.

At 8 a.m. on Feb. 20, Bieniek contacted the victim and said the truck was stuck in some silt and he was going to have to get it pulled out.

The owner was contacted by the towing company at 3 p.m. and was told the truck was in Bieniek's possession.

When it still wasn't returned by 4:45 p.m., the victim went to Brockton to retrieve it.

She found significant damage, estimated at over $3,000 by an insurance adjuster, and contacted police.

Bieniek faces charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief.