An Ephrata couple was recently sentenced to state prison for a series of theft-related crimes in which they used distractions to steal cash.
Chad E. Bright, 39, Tonya L. Snyder, 37, pleaded guilty Friday in Lancaster County Court to counts of theft, conspiracy, burglary, and criminal trespass regarding the spree, which spanned from October 2017 to January 2018 in northern and eastern parts of the county.
In exchange for those pleas, Bright and Snyder will each serve 2½ to 7 years in prison, in accordance with an agreement arranged by Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman.
Lancaster County Judge Howard Knisely accepted the plea terms and ordered sentence.
The couple, who had lived on West Main Street in Ephrata, targeted small businesses and road-side stands without constant oversight.
They used distractions in several of the incidents, including:
- At Doll Boutique in Warwick Township, Bright lured an employee outside while Snyder took $400 from a register.
- At Brunnerville Greenhouse in Warwick Township, Snyder asked to see a pot while Bright took $135 from a register.
- At a roadside produce stand in Warwick Township, a can of red beets – valued at $3.50 - was taken.
- At Esh Quilty and Crafts in Leacock Township, $80 was taken.
- At Old Clay House Antique Shop in Clay Township, Bright lured an employee upstairs as Snyder took $402 from a drawer and the employee’s wallet.
- At Weaver’s Turkey Farm in West Earl Township, $150 was taken from drawers.
Police from Northern Lancaster County Regional, West Earl and Ephrata departments, along with Pennsylvania State Police filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright