SUMMIT TWP — A former convenience store employee is accused of breaking into the store three times on successive weekends last month and stealing nearly $500.

The suspect, Jonathan D. Karenbauer, 19, of Summit Township, apparently had little trouble getting into the Herman Mini Mart on Herman Road. State police said he used his mother’s key. She still worked there.

Police on Monday got an arrest warrant for Karenbauer in connection with the series of burglaries.

Owner Holly Ann Dunlap, plagued by recent thefts of money at her store, discovered the latest break-in after reviewing surveillance video at the business, police said.

The video showed a person in a hooded coat enter the store with a key about 3:15 a.m. July 21, according to court documents.

The crook wasted no time finding the money that is kept in a hidden location known only to employees and former employees, Dunlap told police.

Before long, investigators had a suspect. Police said Karenbauer at one time worked at the store.

During a police interview July 22, he confessed to the crime spree, documents said.

“He stated that he used his mother’s key to gain entry into the store and took money,” documents said.

He admitted to the July 21 break-in and theft, as well as similar crimes July 7 and 14.

“He stated that his job doesn’t pay very well,” according to a police affidavit, “and he just needed the money for gas and a school tuition bill that was coming due.”

In all, police said, Karenbauer stole $486.

He is charged with three counts each of burglary, trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.