University police arrested two former University employees and their daughter Tuesday in connection with the alleged theft of College of Agriculture equipment and vouchers totaling more than $70,000.

Charlotte Keene, 52, former facilities and service coordinator in the plant pathology department, was charged with 1,499 counts which include theft by deception, tampering with records, receiving stolen goods, unauthorized use of an automobile, theft by unlawful taking and failure to make required disposition of funds, said District Magistrate Clifford Yorks.

Owen Keene, 55, former associate professor of poultry, was arrested on a total of 81 counts including forgery, tampering with records, unauthorized use of an automobile, criminal conspiracy, theft by deception and receiving stolen property, according to records obtained at the district magistrate's office.

Brenda Keene, 22, a University senior, was charged with 41 counts of theft by unlawful taking and 41 counts of criminal conspiracy, according to records. Brenda Keene, 340 E. Beaver, also was accused of possessing more than $9,700 in University property.

All three were released on their own recognizance.

The charges stem from a four-month investigation that began when University auditors, conducting a routine inquiry into the College of Agriculture, uncovered the alleged thefts, said Assistant University Auditor Russell Rossman.

Court affidavits state that the alleged thefts occurred over a five-year period.

According to records, Charlotte Keene admitted to making various unlawful purchases such as cameras, computer equipment, typewriters, calculators and supply items. Receipts recovered by police show that Charlotte Keene allegedly spent a total of $18,125.38 in unlawful purchases.

A search of Brenda and Charlotte Keene's residences recovered $10,295.55 in University property.

Charlotte Keene also admitted to forging signatures between 1987 and 1989 to purchase items at the Penn State Bookstore, General Stores, David Weis, O.W. Houts and Nittany Office Equipment, and charging them to the plant pathology department, according to records.

The records said that Owen Keene submitted false travel mileage claims to the agricultural department to be reimbursed. Keene allegedly collected $397.32 for false mileage claims.

Police searched both residences in December and recovered University property including:

-- One Apple Laserwriter and five Apple hardware manuals.

-- An AT&T answering machine.

-- A Macintosh SE computer.

The Keenes refused to comment on the allegations.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled March 21 in Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte.