Mar 5, 2013 2 min read

An Avella man subpoenaed for another case Tuesday was arrested by state police on warrants obtained in connection with two burglaries last year in Independence and Hopewell townships when he showed up to testify on charges filed against his brother.

Jonathan E. Martin, 20, of 1847 Avella Road, also agreed to waive the cases to court.

Martin had been subpoenaed as a witness for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Ethan Ward on charges of receiving stolen property and conspiracy filed against his brother, Donald Martin III, 23, also of 1847 Avella Road, for one of the burglaries. The arresting officer, Trooper Frank Mysza, also had obtained the warrants for Martin from Ward.

Martin is charged with burglary, conspiracy and theft in connection with the Oct. 21 burglary of a barn owned by Susan Carl, 565 Indian Camp Road, Independence. Gasoline and extension cords were stolen from the barn, police said.

He also is charged with burglary, conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property for the Nov. 27 burglary of a barn owned by Brian Rettura, 4456 Jefferson Ave., Hopewell. The barn also was burglarized earlier in November.

Rettura and Ryan Newman told police the barn had been burglarized and tools and cooper owned by both men had been stolen. Newman later learned who had some of his tools. Police seized Martin’s vehicle and found a stolen air chisel inside that was identified by Rettura as belonging to him.

Martin was released on $25,000 unsecured bond.

Donald Martin waived his case to court Tuesday for his role in allegedly helping to load the tools in his brother’s vehicle. He is in the Washington County jail on a probation detainer.

Charges are pending against a third suspect.