A Butler woman is accused of lifting a wallet and prescription medication from a mislaid purse at the Butler County Government Center.

Brandy Ann Palyash, 20, faces a preliminary hearing next month in connection with the theft.

The defendant was at the government center for a county Children and Youth Services agency hearing May 14 when she allegedly took the items, according to county Detective Pat Cannon.

County sheriff's deputies were tipped off about the suspected thief. The owner told authorities she had misplaced the purse in the lobby.

Palyash allowed her own purse to be searched, and a deputy turned up both the victim's wallet with $111 and a prescription bottle containing anti-anxiety medication.

Palyash claimed she had intended to take the property to the lost and found department at the government center.

But when asked why she planned to return just two items from the purse and why Palyash didn't immediately turn in the property, the defendant had no answer, documents said.

Palyash is charged with theft, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled June 16 before District Judge Pete Shaffer.