Retirement Village Worker Charged with 10 Counts of Jewelry Theft

A 30-year-old Newtown man is behind bars after allegedly stealing more than $10,000 worth of jewelry from residents living in a Bensalem retirement community.

Douglas Hoover, of the 100 block of Windham Court, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with 10 counts of burglary, 10 counts of criminal trespass, 10 counts of theft by unlawful taking and 10 counts of receiving stolen property, all felony offenses. 

Hoover, an employee of Bensalem-based Wood River Village Retirement Community, allegedly entered "at least" 10 resident rooms and stole jewelry valued "well in excess of $10,000," according to court documents. 

Bensalem Police said Newtown Township Police contacted them to report that Hoover "was pawning numerous items at various pawn shops" in Bucks County, according to the police criminal complaint. Police said the transactions at David Craig Jewelers, B & E Jewelers, Cash for Gold and Getzow Jewelers contained a photo of Hoover, as well as a picture of the jewelry being sold. 

One of the items that was pawned, according to police, belonged to a current Wood River Village resident.

When Bensalem Police went to Wood River Village to speak to Hoover, police said he "jumped from his chair, pulled a folding knife from his pocket and placed it against his neck." Hoover then allegedly yelled, "my life is over. Shoot me. Just me," according to court documents. 

Police said Hoover fled from the room with the knife against his neck. He was taken into custody after a foot pursuit, according to police. 

During questioning at the police station, Hoover allegedly admitted to stealing more than 50 items, which he reportedly pawned for about $6,000 cash, according to court records. 

Hoover is being held in the Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of 10 percent of $75,000 bail. He awaits a preliminary hearing on Dec. 18.