Feb 23, 2017 2 min read

East Washington police filed charges Thursday against a mother, father and son stemming from incidents earlier this month on North Avenue.

Justin P. Platt, 29, of 15 North Ave., is charged with theft and receiving stolen property for allegedly stealing $600 from a home at 43 North. He was charged earlier this month with theft and receiving stolen property for allegedly stealing a cellphone from a neighbor at 31 North.

Platt’s parents, Darlene M. Platt, 56, and Alvin J. Platt, 64, were charged by borough police with hindering apprehension and criminal solicitation after they allegedly approached the neighbor who had her cellphone stolen.

The alleged victim called police Feb. 14 and told them that the parents came to her home the day after the cellphone was stolen to return it. The Platts reportedly had a handwritten letter for her to sign to acknowledge the receipt of the undamaged cellphone. The letter also reportedly indicated that the victim would not press charges against their son for the theft.

The woman told police that the Platts said they would not return her cellphone unless she signed the letter and assured them that she would drop the charges, because they did not want to see their son get into more trouble. Justin Platt was charged by East Washington police with burglary and other charges stemming from a break-in last year.

The alleged victim told police that she signed the letter only so she could get her cellphone back, because she needed it.

Police had gone to the Platts’ home on Feb. 11 looking for their son. The couple reportedly told police they would call when he returned.

The charges will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Jay Weller.