An East Stroudsburg man is accused of stealing $30,000 worth of gift cards from the Monroe County hotel he then worked at.
Haydn P. Watkins, 29, is charged with access device fraud and criminal use of communications facility, both felonies, and possession of a controlled substance, possessing instruments of crime, and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors.
Pennsylvania State Police in Stroudbsurg said the thefts began this fall when Watkins used the American Express gift card system at Wyndham Resorts, Buttermilk Falls Road, in Smithfield Township. He allegedly created $30,000 worth of gift cards for personal use. Watkins then used the gift cards to buy two pistols from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitters in Stroudsburg, police said.
Wyndham Resorts reported the theft on Dec. 12 and troopers began an investigation.
Watkins on July 24 was interviewed by investigators at his current place of employment and allegedly admitted to the theft. Police said Watkins appeared to be attempting to trade the guns for heroin from an unknown dealer in Paterson, New Jersey. The two pistols later were recovered from an associate’s residence in the Slate Belt area of Northampton County, according to police.
Watkins during the interview was found to be in possession of one of the stolen gift cards, as well as many glassine bags filled with heroin, police said.
Watkins was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Brian Germano, who set bail at $10,000. In lieu of bail, he was taken to the Monroe County jail. Court records indicate Watkins posted bail on July 27.
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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
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August 03, 2020 at 02:30AM
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Former Monroe County hotel employee accused of stealing $30K in gift cards - lehighvalleylive.com
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