Two arrested for theft in Schuylkill

Two Schuylkill County residents were arrested on theft and related charges this week.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said James R. Watts, 40, and Brenda M. Gates, 46, both of Pottsville, were charged with theft, theft of leased property and criminal conspiracy.

According to troopers between Nov. 12, 2009, and Jan. 27, Watts, along with Gates, arrived at Rent-A-Center stores located along SR61 in Pottsville and an additional store in the Pottsville Park Plaza, Norwegian Township. Troopers said they defaulted on payment for the items of the rental agreement, totaling $10,070.50.