MANCHESTER — A city teen, accused of stealing and cashing a $100 check and of stealing more than $18,000 in jewelry, which was pawned for $450, was released on $5,000 personal recognizance bail Friday following her arraignment in Circuit Court-Manchester District Division.

Brandy Dustin, 18, of 30 Heathrow Ave., could enter no plea to the felony theft by unauthorized taking charge that accuses her of taking an estimated $18,755 in jewelry from the Hudson Street residence where she was then staying and of driving a friend to the U.S. Gold Store, 297 S. Willow St., where the friend sold the jewelry for $450.

Dustin pleaded innocent to misdemeanor theft by unauthorized taking and theft by deception charges that accuse her of intercepting a $100 check meant for her host, signing it over to herself and then cashing it at a TD Bank branch.

Police prosecutor Steven Mangone requested bail of $5,000 cash/surety, citing the large amount and value of the jewelry, much of it family heirlooms.

Dustin, who works part time at Goodwill Industries, asked Judge Gregory Michael for personal recognizance bail. He granted her request, but cautioned her to be sure to appear for her probable cause hearing on the felony Feb. 16 and her trial April 25, or the consequence would be jail.

He also suggested she find a new circle of friends.