Woman arrested in charity thefts

Published 10:48 am Wednesday, January 8, 2014

A woman turned herself in Monday to Ironton Police after allegedly stealing donation jars from two local gas stations.

Detective Joe Ross with the IPD said Samantha Massie Zornes, 23, was wanted for allegedly taking Children’s Miracle Network donation jars from the Speedway on Park Avenue in Ironton and the Rich Oil station on Third Street on Jan. 4.

Ross said the woman’s photo was posted on the Ashland, Ky., Police Department’s Facebook page for similar charges, which led to tips called in from the public.

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Ross said he spoke with the woman’s family who convinced her to surrender at the Ironton Police station Monday evening.

“Thanks to the public, again we were able to make an arrest,” Ross said.

Zornes was charged with two counts of misdemeanor theft. Ross also said the woman was wanted for allegedly stealing checks from a car in December.

Zornes was charged with two fifth-degree counts of forgery.

The woman will be arraigned Thursday in Ironton Municipal Court.

Ashland authorities were also notified of Zornes’ arrest.