Police: Panther students stole money from classroom

Three Panther Valley High School students are facing theft charges after they took money from a teacher’s classroom last year.

Michael Cullen, 18, of East Foster Avenue, Coaldale; and Xander Kern, 18, of Lake Drive, Nesquehoning, as well as a 17-year-old male from Lansford, were charged by Summit Hill police with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

According to the affidavit, police were notified by Panther Valley officials on Jan. 11 that the trio had broken into a classroom on Dec. 21 and took $280 in fundraiser money that was in a locked filing cabinet.

The investigation showed that Cullen broke into the cabinet, Kern took two money bags and removed the money and then gave it to the 17-year-old to hold.

The three then went to the boys locker room, where they removed a ceiling tile and hid the money.

On Feb. 2, police interviewed Kern who admitted to the theft and identified Cullen and the juvenile as the other two involved. Officers also interviewed a witness who saw the three.

On Feb. 15, police tried to interview the juvenile, but he refused to give a written statement, saying only that he was in the classroom during the theft.

On April 23, police were able to interview Cullen, who denied any involvement in the theft.

A preliminary hearing for Cullen and Kern have been set for June 6 before District Judge Casimir Kosciolek.