By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Nicole Allen was arrested by the Oxford Police Department for theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy to commit theft by failure to make required disposition of funds.

After a lengthy investigation, the Oxford Police Department arrested Nicole Allen, 42, of Cochranville, for crimes that she is alleged to have committed along with her husband, James “Rudy” Allen. She was arrested on Sept. 11.

The couple previously operated the Soap Bucket, a retail store in Oxford. They also own Nella Naturals, which is based in Cochranville.

Previously, in April of 2022, the Oxford Police were contacted in reference to several victims who stated that funds they contributed to a youth softball team had not been used for their intended purpose. The person in charge of the funds, James “Rudy” Allen, 50, of Cochranville, was expected to purchase equipment and pay certain fees that are required for the team’s operation. 

Allen was also provided donations in the form of cash checks, Venmo, and other prizes during a fundraiser at the Oxford Redman’s Hall, 114 Brick Road in September 2021 and March 2022, where all proceeds were to benefit the youth softball team. A thorough investigation was completed and it was determined that Allen had improperly used over $6,000 in funds that should have been allocated directly for the youth softball team. The Oxford Police Department attempted multiple times to interview Allen throughout the investigation. Allen was also provided a letter of demand from the victims in April of 2022, and he did not respond to this. On April 23, 2024 a felony arrest warrant was issued by the Oxford District Court. Allen was located at a sporting event at Oxford Area High School on April 24, and he was taken into custody and transported to the Oxford Police Department for processing, before being transported by Constables to Chester County Prison. 

According to Detective Adam Weaver, “While there at Chester County Prison he was arraigned by video and released on a $20,000 unsecured bail.”

Weaver said, “We attempted to interview him multiple times throughout this investigation. Although the investigation started with complaints from 6 or 7 people, complaints continue to come forth since news of his arrest has been published. This is an ongoing investigation.”

Both James and Nicole Allen are out on unsecured bail, meaning neither had to post any money. However, they need to show up for their court dates.  Neither case has been heard yet.  A preliminary hearing will be held for both of them at the Oxford District Court.