Woman Robbed Home to Get Bail Money For Husband, Police Say

Written by Daryl Nerl

An Easton woman tried to come up with bail money for her jailed husband by committing a burglary in Upper Mount Bethel with her brother-in-law, according to state police.

Now the woman, Jimi Gia Duckworth, 23, of 1150 Washington St., and Joseph Duckworth, 26, of 77 Front St., Belvidere, N.J., are going to need some bail money of their own.

Both were sent to Northampton County Prison on Friday night after their arrests in connection to the burglary and theft, which took place along Church Street in the township earlier last week.

There, they join James Duckworth, who was arrested in a September drug raid by Easton police at his home.

Police allege that Duckworth was growing and possessed about $3,000 in psilocybin mushrooms, more commonly known as “magic mushrooms.” Police also allege that he had $2,000 in heroin. He is facing multiple felony drug charges.

Sitting in jail since Sept. 20, Duckworth has had his preliminary hearing postponed twice, according to online court records. It is now scheduled for Dec. 17. His bail is currently set at a combined $70,000.

According to arrest affidavits, troopers went to the home on Church Street in the township at about 2:25 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, after a burglary alarm was tripped. Outside the home, police found a plastic bag containing about $5,000 in jewelry.

Neighbors placed Joseph and Jimi Duckworth at the scene at the time, police said. One neighbor took down the license plate of a car, which belonged to Jimi Duckworth, and was also able to pick Joseph Duckworth out of a photo lineup.

State police also reviewed a recorded telephone call made the day of the burglary by James Duckworth from the prison, the affidavit said.

During the call, the affidavit says, James Duckworth spoke to both his wife and his brother. Both told him they were working on getting his bail money. Joseph Duckworth told James that he and Jimi were in the Poconos. When James asked why, Joseph laughed and said: “nothing, don’t want to say on the phone.”

“During several points in the conversation when they were talking about getting money for bail, James would tell Jimi to be careful,” police wrote in the affidavit.

Joseph Duckworth was charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief and criminal conspiracy. His bail was set at $75,000 by on-duty District Judge Nancy Matos-Gonzalez of Bethlehem.

Jimi Duckworth was charged with three counts of criminal conspiracy. Her bail was set at $35,000 by Matos-Gonzalez.