LeMASTERS, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Police have charged a Mercersburg, Pa., woman with theft by extortion after she allegedly stole another woman's dog and tried to get money from the victim.
Police said Debra Double, 18, of 3599 Lemar Road, also was charged with theft of lost or mislaid property. The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge David Hawbaker's office, and Double was released on her own recognizance.
Police said Double was delivering newspapers Monday afternoon when she allegedly stole a Pomeranian belonging to Tammy Jamerson of 4786 Steele Ave. Jamerson posted fliers seeking information about the missing dog and was contacted by Double, who wanted $500 for the return of the dog, police said.
Double allegedly gave the dog to a friend to keep, police said. With the assistance of Pennsylvania State Dog Law Enforcement Officer Georgia Martin, the dog was found, police said.
