Nov 4, 2014 2 min read

A New Kensington man accused of stealing $15,000 in electronics and trains from a South Strabane Township home in 2012 pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced to a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years in prison.

A two-day jury trial for Leo Russo, 38, was scheduled to begin Tuesday morning before Washington County Common Pleas Judge Gary Gilman. A jury was previously selected during the October trial term. However, Russo decided to accept a plea agreement prior to the start of the trial. Russo pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, conspiracy and criminal mischief.

Russo was accused of breaking into a home along the 500 block of Zediker Station Road on June 7, 2012, and stealing a television, stereo system and similar items. The victim, Thomas Welling, told police he had received a call from Russo two days earlier asking him for money. When Welling refused, he said Russo became angry. Welling said Russo was familiar with his work schedule and dog, and that Russo had asked for money in the past.

The stolen items were located at MIB Ninja Entertainment, 404 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, and identified as Welling’s through serial numbers. All but one item was sold to the store on the day of the burglary.

The store provided the transaction records, which showed Christopher L. Vasquez, 23, of Castle Shannon, sold the items. Vasquez allegedly admitted to going to Welling’s home with Russo, stealing the items and selling them for cash. Vasquez was charged with burglary, conspiracy and theft. He has yet to appear before the court on those charges and remains in Washington County jail.

Russo was also ordered to pay $11,250 in restitution, He will be given credit for time served.

After his plea and sentencing, Russo was returned to the county jail, where he will remain until he is transferred to a state correctional facility.