BELLEFONTE -- Three University students are scheduled for arraignment next month on various charges of theft and conspiracy related to an alleged bicycle "chop shop" operation.

Laurent M. Wainer was charged with receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and theft. Wainer allegedly took a $431 Jamis mountain bike, according to court records.

Also charged were Mike J. Patrick and Christopher Staniar. Patrick was charged with criminal conspiracy and theft by unlawful taking and Staniar was charged with theft and three counts of possession of marijuana, court records indicate.

Last October, State College Bureau of Police Services received a report that one of the accused was seen with the Jamis bike, which recently had been reported taken. Police obtained a search warrant and found the bike disassembled along with parts of other bikes in an apartment located on 119 E. Prospect Ave.

Also recovered in the search was an $1,800 electronic balance/scale, which had allegedly been taken from the University. Staniar has been charged in connection with the theft.

Centre County Assistant District Attorney Mark Smith said charges against another person in connection with the alleged "chop shop" investigation are expected to be filed.

BELLEFONTE -- A former Bellefonte woman last week was sentenced to a minimum of five years probation and ordered to pay restitution to a local insurance company after she pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $80,000 during a two-year period.

Angela S. Dukes, RD 4 Lewistown, pleaded guilty to 76 counts of forgery, 57 counts of theft by deception, 71 counts of receiving stolen property and multiple counts of tampering with records and failure to make required disposition of funds received.

Dukes, who was living in Bellefonte at the time of her arrest, was accused of embezzling $83,244.43 from Kissinger and Bryant Insurance company, 245 S. Allen St., between November 1987 and July 1989.

According to court records, Dukes' arrest stems from forgery incidents between Nov. 30, 1987 to June 23, 1989. She admitted to the forgery when confronted by Richard Bryant, part owner of the company, records state. Bryant said Dukes was ordered to pay restitution for the forgery and will remain on court probation until she does so.

Dukes was also ordered to participate in 300 hours of community service.

Bryant said he believes the sentence was too light but understands why Dukes will not serve time in prison.

"How can you pay someone back when you're in jail?" Bryant said.