She is accused of stealing more than $5,000 in cash deposits over several months.
Two masked men, one armed with a gun, entered an Appalachian Trail lodge early one morning this month and demanded cash, checks and credit cards before driving off with the loot.
At least, that's what authorities say they were told.
In reality, New Jersey State Police now allege, a manager at the Mohican Outdoor Center in Warren County's northernmost reaches made up the story to cover for months of her own thefts totaling more than $5,000.
The Mohican Outdoor Center in Hardwick Township provides a respite for hikers on the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. (NJ Advance Media file photo)The center, at 50 Camp Mohican Road in Hardwick Township, is within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and a stop for hikers on the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. It has a store and office, in addition to lodging.
Gabrielle M. Andrews, 30, of Concord, N.H., was arrested Friday and charged with theft, according to a criminal complaint filed at state Superior Court in Belvidere.
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Andrews was the Mohican center's manager but is no longer employed there, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club, which operates the center.
She used cash deposits taken between July and February to pay for school loans and personal items, state police allege in the complaint.
The Appalachian Mountain Club in a statement thanked the state police and park service for their help, and said it hopes to put it behind them.
"AMC greatly values the strong support we have received from law enforcement and the National Park Service in responding to this unfortunate incident, and we want to reassure the local community, visitors, and guests that operational management is an important responsibility for us," said Vinnie Spiotti, the club's director of lodging operations.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.