A California man was sentenced to jail for stealing three generators from a Lowe's Home Improvement store in Cranberry Township.

Police said employees at Lowe's did not immediately discover the theft by Timothy Manino, 58, of Roseville, Calif., on July 11. But after a loss prevention manager notified police July 13, they arrested Manino.

He pleaded guilty Nov. 30 to retail theft and conspiring to commit retail theft. Common Pleas Judge William Shaffer on Thursday sentenced Manino to time served to six to 23½ months in jail.

Cranberry Township police said he also had the help of an accomplice, his ex-wife, Janice Gropelli, 60, of Frazer Township, Allegheny County, who allegedly rented a van used to haul away the merchandise.

Gropelli's case remains active, and she maintains her innocence.

Detective Sgt. Matthew Irvin reviewed the store's surveillance video as part of his investigation at the time, during which the couple was identified.

Police believe Gropelli rented the U-Haul van, Manino, who was listed as a secondary contact on the lease, allegedly drove the van to the store with his ex-wife.

He allegedly walked into the store and picked out bolt cutters that were for sale. He also took a flat cart belonging to the store, Irvin said, and proceeded to where the gasoline generators are kept.

The generators are secured with a steel security bar across a shelf that is also fashioned with a padlock.

Police said Manino cut the lock and removed three 3,000-watt generators, valued at about $950 each. He put the machines on the cart and walked toward the exit. Along the way, police said, he also placed a chest cooler, worth about $315, onto the cart.

He eventually made it out of the store, according to Irvin's affidavit, through the “entrance-only” doors as another customer entered, and headed to the rental van.

He allegedly put the merchandise into the rear cargo area and drove away. Irvin said the video also allegedly showed Gropelli in the van.