CRANBERRY TWP — Four Beaver County residents are facing retail theft charges.

District Judge David Kovach last week held for court multiple counts of felony retail theft, conspiracy and theft by deception against Keith A. Hicks, 50, of Ambridge.

Hicks along with Peter N. Hamlin, 43, of Ambridge; Nicole G. Waters, 45, of Ambridge; and Richard J. Elder, 55, of Baden are accused of stealing and making fraudulent returns of merchandise at the Marshalls stores in Cranberry Township and Robinson Township, Allegheny County, according to court records.

Between June 14, 2016, and Aug. 1, 2016, the four allegedly used a variety of methods to take $3,043 worth of merchandise and return the goods for gift cards.

The gift cards were allegedly sold and used in New Hampshire, New York, California and Texas.

The store requires customers returning items without a receipt to provide a driver's license, which police used to track the returns.

Hicks, Hamlin and Waters also are charged with allegedly stealing $200 in merchandise from the Lowe's in Cranberry Township on July 30 and leaving the scene in a Chrysler van that had been reported stolen in Allegheny County. They were arrested while in possession of the van on Aug. 9 by Moon Township Police.

Hamlin and Waters in September waived to court charges including retail theft and conspiracy. A warrant was issued for Elder in September.