FREELAND - A man in Freeland is being called a Grinch this Christmas season. Police say the suspect has admitted he stole Christmas gifts meant for two children.
Some people are calling contractor Robert Poltrock of Freeland a Grinch. Officer T.J. Rentschler said they will charge him.
"For theft there will be a criminal complaint filed with Judge Fissner back here at the Magistrate's office," said Officer Rentschler.
Police said Poltrock signed for two laptop computers, while working a job two doors down from the intended owners of the computers, the Bzdil family. They weren't home when the delivery driver knocked on their door. Tom Bzdil said the computers are Christmas presents for his daughters, Kelsey, 6, and Kali, 8.
"I think it's sickening to steal from kids, it's bad to steal at any time, but especially Christmas time, absolutely to steal from little kids at Christmas you're absolutely you're a Grinch."
Jessica Bzdil explained the theft almost ruined Christmas.
"There is always one special gift that you give your kids and that was it. It meant a lot to us, we looked a long time for those. It was heartbreaking, I was very upset and my husband was very angry!" said Bzdil.
Investigators in Freeland said they tracked down Poltrock and the stolen laptops at a local bar. Poltrock was told by police he'll be charged, and the laptops were returned to the Bzdil's.
Officer Rentschler explained such thefts are more common during the holidays.
"We are seeing a rise in theft calls this time of year, everybody with the stress of Christmas, everybody is a little financially strapped. I mean there are other ways than theft," said officer Rentschler.
Newswatch 16 went to the suspect's house to see if he had anything to say, no one answered the door. Freeland Police said he told them that he fell on hard financial times and that he suffered from a lack of judgement.