Pennsylvania Woman Accused of Pooping in Store’s Beer Cooler, Facing Charges

A 47-year-old Hanover woman is facing multiple charges after police say she defecated inside the beer cave of a Royal Farms store.

A Stinky Scene Unfolds in a Local Convenience Store

According to court documents filed by Hanover Borough Police, the incident occurred on April 7 and was reported to authorities the next morning. The woman, identified as Crystal Gauss, has been charged with open lewdness—a misdemeanor—as well as disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and scattering rubbish.

Caught on Camera in the Beer Cave

According to an affidavit of probable cause, security footage provided by store employees showed a woman entering the store around 4:58 p.m. and walking directly into the beer cave—a public walk-in cooler with glass doors offering clear visibility from the rest of the store. Cameras inside allegedly captured her pushing a case of alcohol back on a shelf, then pulling down her pants and defecating directly on the shelf before leaving the store.

Police Use Security Footage and Vehicle Records to Identify Suspect

Authorities reviewed footage of a gray SUV that dropped the woman off and later picked her up. The vehicle’s owner confirmed that Gauss had been the driver, and officers say her driver’s license photo matched the woman seen on camera. Damaged products from the incident totaled $78.85. Gauss has received a summons but no date has yet been set for her preliminary hearing.