Lower Burrell, PA -- Lower Burrell Police charged a New Jersey man with theft after failing to pay for three leased vehicles from a Lower Burrell business.

The owner of the Lower Burrell business that leases commercial and non-commercial vehicles reported to police that he leased three vehicles to Jeffrey Nichols, 46, in 2021 and Nichols has not made payments since July of 2025. 

The victim told investigators that he recovered two of the five leased vehicles through a vehicle recovery service and has attempted to reach Nichols by phone, text, and by mail without success.

According to the business, Nichols was still in possession of two tri-axle dump trucks and a Chevrolet pickup truck. 

Law enforcement in Berks County responded to Nichols' listed address in an attempt to make contact with Nichols, but no one answered and an eviction notice was posted on the residence. 

In mid-July, Reading City Police Department recovered the Chevrolet pickup truck from a parking garage after discovering the vehicle was reported as stolen. 

Nichols is facing two charges of theft of leased property and receiving stolen property. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.