A Schuylkill County man has been jailed on theft and related counts following an incident that occurred Saturday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said William J. Murphy, 46, of Pottsville, arrived at the home of William M. Owens, 65, of 1 Terrace Drive, Schuylkill Haven, asking about renting a trailer. Murphy led Owens to believe that his daughter had just passed away and he needed money for the services.Owens then offered to cash a check for the money. Murphy remained at the victim's home until the bank opened. Troopers said while at the home Murphy stole a .357 Rossi revolver from a bedroom. The victim cashed the check and gave the money to Murphy, who then left the scene in a rented car.Troopers later located the car at Granny's Motel in Frackville. The vehicle and motel room were searched and the stolen gun found.Murphy was arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, persons not to possess firearms, and firearms not to be carried without a license.He was arraigned by on-call District Judge James Ferrier of Orwigsburg, and was committed to the county prison in Pottsville after failing to post $15,000 bail.