NASHUA – The Nashua woman Brookline police arrested earlier this month after investigating allegations of “employee theft” at a Route 13 Dunkin’ Donuts was arraigned Thursday on the Class B felony charge.

Patricia M. McKinnon, 42, of 54 Summer St., remained free on personal recognizance bail after arraignment in Hillsborough County Superior Court-South on one count of theft by unauthorized taking, according to court documents.

The charge is a felony because the amount of money McKinnon is accused of stealing – $1,321, according to police – is in excess of $1,000.

Brookline police said in their reports that they were called to the doughnut shop in late November. At the time, the shop’s owner and general manager told them they suspected an employee of taking money “for at least the past two months.”

The owner and manager told police they suspected it was McKinnon who was allegedly committing the thefts, so police told them to contact McKinnon to arrange a meeting at the shop.

According to police, McKinnon admitted she had been taking money “since July or August,” but the reports don’t indicate whether she gave a reason for the alleged theft.

Police determined through their investigation that McKinnon allegedly created a fake sales transaction, then refunded the amount of the “transaction” in cash, which she allegedly either put in her pocket or “put it down her shirt,” according to police.

The date of McKinnon’s next court appearance is pending.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256, or at dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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