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Police arrest man accused of stealing money meant for charity

Zelienople Police arrested and filed charges against a Harmony man Wednesday, Sept. 14, accusing him of breaking into Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes last week and stealing money meant for charity.

Following his arrest, Sean R. Richards, 40, was arraigned by District Judge Kevin O’Donnell late Wednesday night, then placed in Butler County Prison in lieu of $2,500 bond.

Richards is charged with felony burglary, as well as misdemeanor counts of possessing stolen property, theft and trespassing related to the alleged break-in Sept. 7 at the business, located at 253 Mercer St. in Harmony.

Per earlier reports, investigators said someone had broken into the store by damaging a set of glass double doors, and then stole about $300 from charity boxes in the store.

According to written documents, Richards gave police a written statement shortly before his arrest linking him to the incident.

Despite initial reports that two people may have been involved, Richards’ statement does not mention a second person.

Police said they made contact with Richards at his home Wednesday afternoon, and he agreed to be taken at the Zelienople Police station for questioning.

While placing Richards into a marked cruiser, police said they observed a mountain bike matching the description of one in the security footage obtained during the investigation.

According to police, Richards told officers he saw a jar with money in it while examining a couple of signs in the store’s window. Police said he told officers he had been feeling depressed and like he “snapped or clicked.”

“He then remembers breaking a glass window,” police said. “Sean then states he remembered standing on the Harmony Bridge having a ‘mild panic attack’ and scared, so he went home, where he stayed for the next few days.”

Richards is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Tuesday, Sept. 20, before District Judge Amy Marcinkiewicz.

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