PORT CARBON - A Pottsville woman charged with stealing more than $50,000 over a three-year period while employed by Goodwill Fire Company, Minersville, and Minersville EMS surrendered to authorities Friday afternoon, walking into district court with her head completely covered by a coat and escorted by her mother.
Brenda S. Shuman, 47, of 382 N. Second St., was charged with two felony counts of forgery; seven felony counts each of theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property; two felony counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, and five felony counts of access device fraud.
Shuman was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko and released on $50,000 unsecured bail pending her preliminary hearing scheduled Thursday.
Prior to Plachko setting bail, Minersville police Chief Michael Combs told the court that bail is necessary.
"We're not looking for outlandish bail, but these are serious charges," Combs said.
Shuman's attorney, Anthony Urban, said his client lives with her 17-year-old son, is a longtime county resident and surrendered to authorities as requested. He said Shuman will appear for all court proceedings and is not a flight risk.
Following the hearing, Combs said a great deal of time and effort went into the investigation that led to Shuman's arrest.
"We're confident there will be a successful prosecution," he said.
Among the items Shuman purchased with company money included shoes, items from gift shops and airline tickets, Combs said.