A Coca-Cola route driver who filled soda machines for the company's Manheim Township plant allegedly stole about $31,000 while making his daily runs, township police said.

Township police Sgt. Keith Kreider has charged James M. Oldaker, 33, of 1027 Stargazers Road, Coatesville, with felony theft, police reported today.

As a route driver for the Coca-Cola plant, at 1428 Manheim Pike, Oldaker stole about $31,000 during an 18-month period,  the charge against him alleges.

"He worked in the  area and was responsible for filling machines, taking the money out, and  turning it over to Coke," said township police Sgt. Thomas Rudzinski.

Supervisory personnel at the plant  became suspicious of shortages on Oldaker's route in June.

An investigation determined that the shortages dated back to January 2007 and continued until July of 2008, police said in a news release announcing the charge.

"They (supervisory personnel) saw they were missing small amounts of money over a period of time," said Rudzinski.

The theft charge was filed Wednesday before Magisterial District  Judge David P. Miler of Manheim Township.


Staff writer John M. Hoober III can be reached at jhoober@LNPnews.com or 481-6027.