Hearing continued in home invasion case
A hearing for two men on charges accusing them of holding a German Township couple at gunpoint in their home and robbing them May 18 was continued for the fourth time Thursday because one of the suspects was not able to appear in court. Joshua Allen Hice, 28, of Fairchance was charged May 21 before Magisterial District Judge Randy S. Abraham with robbery, burglary, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, simple assault and terroristic threats.
His alleged co-conspirator, Phillip Clyde Smith Jr., 28, of Searights, also was charged before Abraham with two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit theft and theft for his role in the home invasion.
Both men were placed in the Fayette County Prison on $250,000 straight cash bond, Abraham said.
However, during the continuances in the case over the last few months, police said Smith was transferred from the Fayette County Prison to a state correctional facility in the northern part of the state. He was not transferred back to Fayette County in time for Thursday’s hearing, necessitating the continuance, according to Assistant District Attorney Phyllis A. Jin. She noted that the prosecution would like to hold the men’s hearings simultaneously.
Defense attorneys for both Hice and Smith met with Jin for more than an hour to try and work out a plea deal for the men, but an agreement was not reached.
Trooper John S. Krause said the incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. at the home of Domenick and Patrice Pontorero of 102 Hill View Road.
Krause said Hice and Smith arrived at the Pontorero residence and asked for directions.
He said that while asking for directions, Hice, who was the passenger in the vehicle, got out of the car and approached Domenick Pontorero with a sawed-off shotgun, demanding money.
Krause said Domenick Pontorero gave Hice the money from his wallet and was then ordered into the home by Hice.
Once inside, Krause said Hice knocked the telephone from the wall and held the gun on both Domenick Pontorero and his wife, and demanded more money and jewelry.
While they were complying with Hice’s demands, Smith entered the couple’s garage and stole a computer, Krause said.
During the home invasion, Hice continually threatened to kill the couple while holding them at gunpoint, Krause said.
Hice and Smith then fled the scene.
A new hearing date has not been set.
Hice was returned to the Fayette County Prison following Thursday’s deliberations.