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Identity theft

Area police have been kept busy in recent weeks by a growing identity theft epidemic, often involving the internet.

Last week, state police at Denton Hill were contacted after a Potter County couple discovered that someone had hacked their "PayPal" account, an online payment and collection service,

to buy numerous products from internet-based businesses.

The victims are Michael and Jennifer Painter of Genesee.

Drug charges An Emporium man has been arrested on drug-related charges stemming from an incident that occurred last August.

Borough Police say Richard Sabin II is charged with manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance and a related count. A juvenile was also involved. Police refused to reveal the youth's name.

A Regional Drug Task Force assisted in the case.

Tavern cited

An Austin area business faces Pa. Liquor Control Board sanctions.

Forest House Inn and Tavern has been cited for failing to require customers to leave the premises after-hours and allowing patrons to possess or remove alcoholic beverages after 2:30 a.m.

Cameron camps hit

A couple of camp burglaries are also being investigated by state police from the Emporium barracks.

Sometime late last week, thieves cut the lock off a gate at a camp on Brooks Run Road in Lumber Township and stole $200 worth of firewood while causing property damage. The victim is Jeffrey Seabury of Uniontown.

Thieves forced their way into a shed at a camp on Mason Hill Road in Gibson Township. It's still not known what was taken. The camp is owned by Donald Barto of Baden.

Car vandalized

State police from Emporium continue to investigate an act of criminal mischief.

Vandals sliced three tires on a vehicle owned by Cody Andrus of Emporium while it was parked along Rich Valley Road.

Deer runs into car Potter County Commissioner Susan Kefover escaped injury Saturday night when her car struck a deer on Route 6 in Ulysses Township, between Coudersport and Galeton.

Troopers said Kefover eastbound when the whitetail came onto the highway.

The vehicle was heavily damaged. Kefover was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Kerosene stolen

Theft of kerosene from an Austin area camp is being investigated by state police from Denton Hill.

Troopers report someone entered Apple Lane property owned by Joseph Posey of Red Lion and stole 225 gallons of kerosene from an outside fuel tank.