Woman accused of running suburban teen theft ring in court
The female half of a newlywed couple accused of running a suburban theft ring appeared in district court this morning, giving up her right to a preliminary hearing on charges that include receiving stolen property and identity theft.
The female half of a newlywed couple accused of running a suburban theft ring appeared in district court this morning, giving up her right to a preliminary hearing on charges that include receiving stolen property and identity theft.
Jennifer Vivian Hails, 36, also moved a step closer to resolving charges in an unrelated case that stem from her 14-year-old daughter's truancy.
Magisterial District Judge James V. Deangelo said he was pleased to hear that the eighth grader had been attending school regularly. He said if the improvement continues for the next 60 days, he believes the charges can be dismissed, a view shared by the school district officials present.
The 36-year-old mother of three has been free on bail. Her husband of two months, Thomas A. Gallagher Jr., 19, waived his preliminary hearing in Delaware County last month. He has been held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County after failing to post $200,000 bail.
Police said the pair dispatched four male middle-school students from Delaware County to loot unlocked cars and buildings. Investigators said the thieves worked at night and victimized dozens of people in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.