BY STACI WILSON

Two men face charges after police say they conspired to steal money from a convenience store and make it look like a robbery.

The manager of the Gibson Sunoco, located off Rt. 848, New Milford Twp., reported that a robbery occurred just before 6 a.m.

Pennsylvania State Police responded to the scene and spoke with cashier, Kenneth Groover.

Groover, 25, New Milford, told police that a man wearing a black jacket with a hood and black mask and gloves entered the store and handed him a pillowcase and demanded he fill it with the money in the register. The suspect then left the store, Groover told police.

After reviewing the surveillance video, police noted that Groover gestured with his head and another with his hands to someone outside the Sunoco just seconds before the robber entered the store.

The investigation revealed Groover, and a friend, David Calla, 21, Hallstead, conspired to commit the crime.

Both Groover and Calla face charges.

Groover charged by Tpr. Mark Mulvey with receiving stolen property; conspiracy – theft by unlawful taking; and reporting an offense that did not occur.

He waived a Dec. 2 preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Jodi Cordner in New Milford District Court. He was released on unsecured bail.

Calla was charged by Tpr. Mulvey with theft by unlawful taking; receiving stolen property; possession of a controlled substance by a person not registered; and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

He waived a Dec. 2 preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Jodi Cordner in New Milford District Court. He was released on unsecured bail.

Charges against both men will move forward to the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas.