Charges logged for thefts of copper
CONNELLSVILLE – A man wanted in connection with burglarizing 20 vacant houses in Connellsville and stealing the property’s copper piping and wiring was arraigned Friday on a variety of charges stemming from the break-ins. Troy Breakiron Jr., 18, of 209 N. Prospect St., Connellsville is charged with 20 felony counts each of burglary and criminal trespass, a total of 19 felony and misdemeanor counts each of theft by unlawful taking and criminal mischief; a total of 18 felony and misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property; seven felony counts of criminal conspiracy; seven misdemeanor counts of corruption of minors; and a single misdemeanor count of criminal attempt.
According to the criminal complaints filed by Connellsville police detective Lt. Steven Shaffer, over a six-month period Breakiron allegedly entered the houses and removed the valuable pipes and wire. Police allege that a 15-year-old male was involved in seven of the burglaries.
The properties were located throughout the city and included properties on North Prospect Street, North Pittsburgh Street, Meadow Lane, West Fayette Street, North Alley, East Apple Street, Witter Avenue, Gallatin Street, Highland Avenue, South Pittsburgh Street, South Cottage Avenue, East Crawford Avenue, Ogden Street and East Gibson Avenue.
Police estimated the value of the materials stolen from the properties at $26,230 and damage at $24,230.
Police said that Breakiron allegedly gave both oral and written statements that he was responsible for the burglaries.
State police and municipal police departments throughout Fayette County have reported a rash of similar burglaries involving copper.
Earlier this week, state police charged two North Union Township men for removing piping and wiring from a home under construction after a neighbor alerted officers of the break-in.
Uniontown police also have issued a plea for help after eight reported copper thefts at houses that were vacant or under construction during February and March.
State police Sgt. James D. Caccimelio said that copper theft is increasing in the county.
“It has gotten to the point where we have thieves climbing utility poles and cutting down the wires,” he said. “All we can do is ask people to keep their eyes open.”
In an unrelated matter, Breakiron was additionally charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and corruption of minors.
Police said that when Breakiron and the 15-year-old juvenile were interviewed by investigators on March 18 in connection to the alleged burglaries, the teenager was allegedly found with a small plastic bag containing green vegetable matter.
The teen allegedly told police that Breakiron had given it to him to prevent officers finding it in his possession.
Breakiron allegedly later admitted it was his marijuana and that he had given it to the juvenile.
Breakiron was arraigned on all the charges before Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty and placed in Fayette County Prison on $20,000 straight cash bond.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Thursday.
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