Mineral Ridge couple charged with felony theft

Staff report

WARREN

A Mineral Ridge woman and the man she lives with are charged with felony theft, accused of stealing a necklace and bracelet from the Country Club Drive Northeast home where she worked as a house cleaner.

In all, police believe the pair might have stolen jewelry worth as much as $240,000 from the home-owners, who own Gene’s Jewelers downtown.

Innocent pleas were entered in Warren Municipal Court this week for Geri Balch, 22, and Ricky L. Snyder, 31, both of South Burnett Street. Balch was released after posting $20,000 bond. Snyder was released after posting $35,000 bond.

Court documents say the owners suspected Balch of stealing from them, and security video showed it was true. Police said Balch admitted stealing a necklace but said she returned it with an apology letter.

Balch also admitted stealing a bracelet that she said was in her home, court records say. A search warrant was obtained to try to recover that and other jewelry.

The owners of the jewelry reported that a diamond ring set worth $58,000 and a diamond ring valued at $112,000 also were missing.

If convicted, Balch and Snyder each could get up to eight years in prison.