Store clerk involved in plan to rob Tarentum newsstand, police say

TARENTUM, Pa. — A convenience store clerk is facing accusations that she plotted and participated in a staged robbery scheme.

According to court paperwork, April Baczynski was working inside Asay’s News Stand on East 6th Avenue in Tarentum on Wednesday afternoon, when a masked man came in wielding a knife and demanding cash. She provided money to the thief, and he took off.

Police posted a surveillance image of the apparent robber to social media, seeking tips.

Court documents allege that police quickly identified the robber as Connor Whited, determining that he is in a relationship with April’s sister, Leah Baczynski. The trio reportedly live together and are all now facing charges for orchestrating the scheme.

“I didn’t think that something like that would happen,” said store owner Kevin Bertocki. “You hire people in hopes that they’re going to be respectful of your property and materials.”

Bertocki had apparently left the business moments before the staged crime. He later reviewed surveillance footage of the situation, and felt that something was off. At one point, the knife was apparently set directly on the counter, as the masked crook is seen adjusting his backpack.

“At any time, she was able to grab the knife, which she didn’t,” he said. “And there was mace, and I have a stun gun and I have different things that possibly she could have used, but instead, she was emptying the drawer.”

Bertocki didn’t want to reveal how much money was stolen, but noted that any amount hurts.

“[For] a small business like mine, 20 bucks is a lot of money... this is a nickel and dime business,” he said.

With another employee on medical leave, Bertocki is now short-staffed.

The criminal complaint indicates that tips from the public helped police piece together April’s alleged involvement in the crime.

Documents state that the three all confessed to the plot, citing that they had bills to pay.

April allegedly told police that “things should have never went this far I understand being behind on bills is not an excuse I never wanted this to happen in the first place but it did and I have to take control of my own actions.”

Whited and Leah however, according to the criminal complaints, told investigators that addictions to fentanyl also motivated the theft.

Whited allegedly told police that he had already spent some of the stolen money on drugs.

Theft and conspiracy charges were filed against all three on Friday afternoon.  April faces an additional charge of false reports to law enforcement.

Bertocki told us that she had been working for him for about four months.

He’s owned the store since 2006, and said that it had never been held up before.

The scheme came as a shock and a disappointment.

“I know most of the people in the community pretty well,” he said. “We treat everybody fairly and I have a good rapport with everybody.”

Bertocki acknowledged the work of the Tarentum Police Department as well as the citizens who provided tips.

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