James M. Hurley Jr., 31, of Silver Creek, was arraigned Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones on a series of charges stemming from two separate vehicle thefts that occurred on April 10, 2025.
Hurley faces three felony counts of robbery, two felony counts each of theft and conspiracy to commit theft, single felony counts of robbery of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery of a motor vehicle, as well as a misdemeanor count of theft. He is being held at Blair County Prison on $150,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21 before Magisterial District Judge Daniel C. DeAntonio.
According to police, Hurley and an accomplice, 33-year-old Jordan Patrick Charles of Deposit, New York, were caught on Sheetz surveillance footage stealing a white Ford Focus from the 400 E. Plank Road location. The vehicle’s owner had left it running with the keys in the ignition while entering the store. Hurley entered the driver’s seat while Charles entered the passenger side, and they drove away.
Police found the suspects’ vehicle, a black Mitsubishi Lancer, abandoned and running nearby. The Lancer had also been reported stolen less than an hour earlier by state police in Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Shortly afterward, at about 11:01 p.m., another vehicle — a 2010 Toyota Yaris — was stolen from the Chestnut Avenue Sheetz under similar circumstances. The victim attempted to stop the theft but was dragged several feet when Hurley accelerated the vehicle while the victim held onto the driver’s side window. The man sustained injuries and reported that $1,000 worth of tools, house keys, and a license plate were inside the car.
Surveillance footage and witness accounts confirmed Hurley and Charles were responsible for both thefts. On April 15, authorities in New York located the stolen Toyota with Hurley and his girlfriend, though the tools and license plate were missing.
Charles faces the same charges but remains at large. A criminal complaint was filed against him on April 26 by the office of Magisterial District Judge Daniel C. DeAntonio.
Authorities continue to search for Charles as the investigation progresses.
