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Man accused of stealing more than $26K from Highland VFW

CHIPPEWA, Pa. — A 68-year-old Brighton Township man is facing charges after police said he stole more than $26,000 worth of strip tickets from the Highland VFW.

According to police, surveillance video showed Stanley Czarnecky steal the Play & Win tickets from a locked cabinet inside the VFW on Chippewa Park Road on two different occasions.

VFW member Sam Brendlinger said he previously noticed missing money and had the surveillance camera installed.

“I was sick to my stomach. I couldn’t believe a member would steal from his own comrades,” Brendlinger said.

Police believe Czarnecky would open the tickets at home and bring back the big winners to get the cash.

Investigators said Czarnecky, a captain at the VFW, admitted to the thefts caught on surveillance camera.

“We are a nonprofit and we struggle. No money is tight,” Brendlinger said.

Authorities said Czarnecky faces charges of receiving stolen property, and is expected to appear at a preliminary hearing later this month.