Facebook photo leads to break-in arrests
A photograph posted on Facebook of a stuffed animal stolen over the summer from a vehicle in the Joffre-Bulger section of Smith Township led to charges being filed against three men and a 15-year-old boy.
Tyler Everhart, 19, of Weirton, W.Va., Levi Donald Stroud, 19, of 380 Steubenville Pike, Burgettstown, and Brian Gallagher, 20, of Hopewell Township, along with the 15-year-old from Hanover Township, were charged this week by township police.
Stroud reportedly posted the photo of the stuffed animal that had been inside a vehicle that was broken into, police Chief Bernie LaRue said.
“I brought him in and talked with him,” LaRue said. “He gave a statement, and they pretty much rolled on each other.”
The four are suspected of entering seven vehicles parked in the area between midnight and 6 a.m. Aug. 31, but items were stolen from only three of the vehicles. Gallagher is accused of driving the four to the area, while Stroud is suspected of breaking the glass on at least one of the vehicles. Police said a total of $295, a can of snuff and the stuffed animal were reported stolen from the cars.
The adults are charged with three counts of theft from a motor vehicle and one count each of conspiracy and corruption of minors. Stroud also is charged with receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.
The 15-year-old faces similar charges filed in a juvenile allegation. The charges were sent by summons from the office of District Judge Gary Havelka.
The three adults are scheduled for a Jan. 14 preliminary hearing before Havelka.