SCRANTON, Pa. — Kenneth Richards, a 40-year-old man from Carbon County, is facing multiple charges after police found him operating a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning.
At approximately 1:33 a.m. on Sunday, Officer Matthew P. Conforti was conducting a routine patrol of the Turkey Hill convenience store on Mulberry Street when he discovered a silver Honda Civic parked outside with the engine running. Richards was standing in front of the vehicle and initially told police that the car belonged to his boss.
Upon detaining Richards, county dispatchers informed officers that he had multiple outstanding arrest warrants across several states, including charges related to drug violations and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Richards initially claimed he was aware of issues with the vehicle’s registration, stating that he purchased the car from his former boss but had not transferred the title. He later admitted that his boss had allowed him to use the vehicle for about a month, but after starting to use methamphetamine, he failed to return the car.
After Richards gave consent to search the vehicle, officers discovered a digital scale with white powder residue, consistent with drug use.
Further investigation confirmed that the Honda Civic had been reported as stolen by the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. Police also learned Richards had an active warrant out of New Jersey for dangerous drug offenses.
Richards was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property, flight to avoid apprehension, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remains in Lackawanna County Prison with a $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.