May 24, 2008 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

State police have filed multiple charges against two men accused of holding a German Township couple at gunpoint in their home and robbing them Sunday afternoon. Joshua Allen Hice, 28, of 9 Hicks St., Fairchance, was charged Friday 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 earlier in the week 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.

Trooper John S. Krause said the incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. at the 102 Hill View Road home of Domenick and Patrice Pontorero.

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.

Preliminary hearings for the suspects are tentatively scheduled for Thursday before Abraham.

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