A number of retail theft cases were scheduled for preliminary hearings before District Judge Stephen Bayer on Dec. 22. All of the defendants chose to waive their hearings to the Schuylkill County Court level.

Defendants include:Jonathan Evanco,22, of 27 E. Monroe St., McAdoo, charged with retail theft by Kline Township patrolman Justin Cory. The charge stems from an Aug. 30 incident.Evanco was released on his own recognizance.Gregory M. Shafer,20, of 211 Bear Run Drive, Drums, charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property in connection with two incidents on Sept. 28, 2015. The charges were filed by Rush Township Police Sgt. Duane Frederick.Shafer was released on his own recognizance in one case and posted 10 percent of the $10,000 bail set in the second case.Jason J. Dahm,37, of 723 Broad St., Tuscarora, charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property by Frederick. The charges were filed after a Dec. 3, 2015, incident.Dahm was able to post the required 10 percent of the $10,000 imposed bail.Rhakim Jamal Lowery,27, of Drums, charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property by Rush Township patrolman Corey Herring. Charges stem from a Dec. 8 incident.Bail was reduced from $5,000 percentage to $5,000 unsecured.