A Butler man was accused of conspiring to have someone else steal thousands of dollars worth of merchandise for him from local stores, according to state police.

John T. Zanicky, 66, was charged with felonies conspiracy and theft for a string of incidents throughout 2020 in which he is accused of hiring Bradley Cramer, 34, to steal items that were later sold for profit or used in Zanicky’s home.

According to police, Cramer said he had taken up to $100,000 of merchandise for Zanicky from April to September of 2020.

According to court documents filed July 19, Cramer was charged with felony retail theft in 2020 for leaving Rural King with $1,003 worth of merchandise without paying for it.

Employees reported him entering the store on Aug. 15, 2020, constantly checking his cellphone as he looked at tools. The license plate connected to his car was traced to Zanicky, who reported the plate as stolen, police said.

Cramer was arrested and jailed in September 2020 in connection to the theft. He was released from Butler County Prison in May 2021, but was later placed in the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill following proceedings in another case.

Police said Cramer was interviewed before his release from Butler County Prison. During the interview, police said Cramer said that Zanicky would have him steal items and pay Cramer 30% of the retail value of each item.

Zanicky would send Cramer a list of items to remove from stores, according to documents.

Police said Cramer detailed several thefts where he took roofing supplies, hot water tanks, tools and even a curved television. Some items would be sold by Zanicky, while others, like the television, were used in Zanicky’s home, police said.

Police said several of the items Cramer mentioned were found following a search of Zanicky’s home, including the television and some tools.

Zanicky’s preliminary hearing before District Judge Lewis Stoughton is scheduled for Aug. 8.