A number of defendants charged with theft-related crimes had their preliminary hearings before District Judge Stephen Bayer of Tamaqua on July 21.

Heather Ungood, 33, of 8842 Furnace Road, Slatington, was scheduled for two hearings on charges filed by Rush Township patrolman Adam Sinton. She elected to waive both hearings to the Schuylkill County Court level.On Jan. 12, Ungood was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Five days later, she was charged with retail theft and criminal mischief.Bail in each case was set at $25,000 unsecured.Melissa Hoegler, 35, of 592 Garfield St., Hazleton, waived a hearing on charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property. The charges were filed by Rush Township Police Sgt. Duane Frederick after a Feb. 20 incident.She was released on her own recognizance.Kristy Kunkel, 25, of 107 Coal St., Tamaqua, waived her hearing on charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, which were filed by Tamaqua Police Cpl. Henry Woods. The charges stem from an April 24 incident.She was released on her own recognizance.Mary J. Ford, 28, of 526 Arlington St., Tamaqua, waived a hearing on charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, which stem from a Nov. 18, 2014, incident. the charges were filed by Woods.She was released on her own recognizance.Coaldale casesDavid L. Rauch, 46, of New Tripoli, waived charges of making terroristic threats, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment. The charges were filed by Coaldale patrolman Charles Blesse after a May 14 incident.He was released on his own recognizance.Brian A. Whildin, 38, of 224 East St., Coaldale, waived a hearing on charges of simple assault and harassment, which were filed by patrolman Todd Weiss. The incident took place on June 7.He was released on his own recognizance.