Arrests made in Schuylkill incident

Two women were arrested on Thursday and charged with the attempted break-in of a home in Girardville, Schuylkill County.

State police at Frackville said Rochelle Hauze, 22, of 8 Ogden St., and Amber McCracken, 21, of 136 B St., both of Girardville, were charged with attempting to enter the home of Margaret Hennessy, 58, of 207 A St., on Jan. 20, between 1-1:10 a.m.

Troopers said the attempted burglary was interrupted by Mrs. Hennessy's grandson. The two women were wearing black stocking masks, gloves, dark clothing and hats when they made the attempted entry and then fled. Shortly after this McCracken was observed emerging from a wooded area by the victim's family members. She then reported to these family members and the state police that an unknown person held a knife to her throat causing injury and she was forced into the wooded area.

The masks, rope, duct tape and some of the clothing worn by the two suspects that were confronted at the victim's home was found in the wooded area where McCracken emerged, troopers said.

Troopers said the two women admitted they attempted to enter the Hennessy home and had discussed the incident a month prior. The motive, according to one of the suspects, was to take money and prescription pills. Damage caused by the two while attempting to enter the home was estimated at $500. McCracken, troopers said, also admitted that she fabricated the report about someone holding a knife to her throat and forcing her into the woods.

Both were charged with criminal attempt-burglary, criminal conspiracy-burglary, both felonies, loitering and prowling at night, a misdemeanor, and summary offense of criminal mischief.

The two were arraigned before District Judge Bernadette Nahas and were committed to the county prison after failing to post bail.

Additionally, McCracken faces charges of unsworn falsification to authorities and false reports to law enforcement authorities are pending.