Theft charges against Connellsville man held for court
PITTSBURGH — A Connellsville man will face trial on charges he allegedly defrauded two Allegheny County women of more than $116,000, following a preliminary hearing on Thursday.
Magisterial District Judge Robert P. Dzvonick ruled that the two felony counts of theft by deception against Toby A. McKnight be bound over to court.
McKnight, 35, of East Cummings Avenue, was charged in late February following a four month investigation by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.
According to investigators, after losing his license as a financial adviser in 2006, McKnight continued to obtain checks from an elderly Bethel Park woman for investment purposes. The checks ranged in amounts from $5,000 to $9,000 and totaled $99,800.
An elderly woman from Glenshaw also reported to investigators that McKnight came to her home to obtain checks that were to become a part of her investment portfolio.
In 2007, the Glenshaw woman executed a check in the amount of $7,500 to open a “new” account, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators said the it appeared the check was cashed by McKnight and that no statement was received by the woman that indicated a “new” account was opened.
A second check of $500 was also made payable to McKnight for the purpose of investment in 2007. In 2010, investigators said a $9,000 check was given to McKnight by the Glenshaw woman with no documentation received that it was made a part of her investment account.
Police said that the two checks were deposited in McKnight’s personal bank account.
“McKnight structured the amount of the fraudulent checks below the IRS $10,000 reporting requirement,” said Det. William Miller, arresting officer in the complaint.
Financial institutions must report transactions in excess of $10,000 to the IRS, he added.
McKnight remains free on a recognizance bond.