Woman admits stealing large quantity of goods from employer

A Carbon County woman admitted stealing a large quantity of merchandise from her then employer and owes a big restitution bill.

Kristine Brittany Stenluson, 30, of Nesquehoning, pleaded guilty on Monday in the county court before Judge Steven R. Serfass to one count of retail theft, as a felony 3.

She admitted stealing between 600 and 700 items from the Dollar General Store, located along Route 903 in Penn Forest Township, over a several-month period in early 2016. State police at Fern Ridge, who filed the charges, said she owes $5,000 in restitution for the items taken.

Police said surveillance video showed Stenluson filling garbage bags with items and placing them outside a door at the store, then after completing her shift taking the bags with her.

Stenluson was placed in the county’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program in October 2016. The adult probation office moved to revoke her from the program almost a year later for violating conditions. She was eventually revoked from the program by court order.

Serfass asked Stenluson how she was going to make restitution of such a large amount of money. She told him she has full-time employment and will make regular monthly payments.

Serfass said because of such a large restitution bill, he placed her on probation for 36 months and ordered restitution of $5,000. She must submit a DNA sample, pay court costs of about $1,000, pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation and render 150 hours of community service.