Site last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Man accused of not paying for gasoline

BUTLER TWP — A Lawrence County man is accused of betraying the good will of several Butler County residents.

The eight alleged victims allowed Shane W. Beachem to use their “My Sheetz Card” so he could save 3 cents on each gallon of gas at the convenience store, Butler Township police said.

But once he pumped the gas, the suspect allegedly drove away, leaving each cardholder to foot the bill.

In all, Beachem, 40, of New Castle allegedly netted nearly $300 in free gas between March 23 and June 11.

Police said he filled the gas into the car of a friend, Shelly M. Roman, 41, of Beaver Falls, Beaver County, who accompanied him on the fuel trips.

Roman, according to court documents filed this week, later admitted they stole the gas so “they had extra money to buy heroin.” They bought heroin in Butler, she said, when they traveled here where Beachem met with his parole officer as required.

Beachem was arrested Thursday and arraigned on 24 theft-related charges. He was placed in the Butler County Prison on $10,000 bail following arraignment. He’s also being held for a parole violation.

Roman is charged with eight counts of conspiracy to commit theft by deception. Authorities said she is to turn herself in to police Monday.

Police said Beachem and Roman got the gas at Sheetz stores on New Castle Road and Evans City Road, both in Butler Township, and once at a Sheetz store in Slippery Rock.

Police, meanwhile, last week filed an unrelated criminal case against Beachem after he suffered an apparent heroin overdose Aug. 4 outside Butler Memorial Hospital.

A nurse told officers that she found the suspect, who was unconscious, in a vehicle near the emergency room entrance. Medics revived him using the heroin antidote Narcan.

Authorities later found a used syringe on the seat where Beachem was sitting. He is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

More in Local News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS