ST. MARYS — A St. Marys woman is currently incarcerated in Elk County Prison in Ridgway after allegedly breaking into her grandparent’s home and stealing $8.
Kayla Ann Gillen, 26, has been charged with a felony charge of criminal attempt of burglary–overnight accommodation with no person present; a felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary–overnight accommodation with no person present; a misdemeanor charge of criminal attempt of theft by unlawful taking–movable property; and a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking–movable property.
An affidavit of probable cause outlining the charges was obtained from the office of Magisterial District Judge Mark S. Jacob.
The affidavit indicates an investigation into Gillen began on Oct. 30 as officers received a report of a burglary at a residence along Rosely Road in St. Marys. Court documents said the victims in the case returned from a family wedding in North Carolina and immediately called 911 after finding damage to their residence and some money missing from inside.
The affidavit said a partial brick was thrown through a window on the reach porch of the home, and someone had attempted to gain entry to a door on the east side. The attempts to enter the door on the east side of the home reportedly left show marks on the face of the door, which officers later used to connect Gillen to the incident.
Additionally, $8 was missing from a dresser inside the residence, according to court documents.
An affidavit indicates the victims informed officers they previously had an issue with Gillen, who was not welcome in their home. Additionally, the victims stated that Gillen was not in North Carolina for the wedding.
Court documents said officers located Gillen at Sheetz, and upon speaking to her, she reportedly showed officers her shoes, which allegedly matched the marks left on the victims’ door. Gillen later allegedly admitted to going into the house between 9 and 10 p.m. Saturday with a known female. She reportedly told officers that she attempted kicking in the door so that she could get some money.
As a result of the incident, Gillen was arrested and charged. She was taken before Jacob for a preliminary arraignment at midnight Tuesday.
Jacob set bail at $10,000 monetary, and unable to pay, Gillen was confined in Elk County Prison.
She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing before Jacob at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15.
Online court documents do not list an attorney for Gillen. The Commonwealth will be represented by the Elk County District Attorney’s Office.
