Published: July 10, 2008 10:33 pm      

Pair charged with stealing, selling pipe

MINERAL POINT — Two Reade Township men have been charged with stealing stainless steel valued at more than $33,000 from one scrapyard, then attempting to sell the pipe to another scrap dealer.

Robin W. Shomo, 27, of Fallentimber, was charged with theft, criminal conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

He was arraigned Thursday by District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi of Mineral Point and sent to the Cambria County Prison on $75,000 bond.

Joseph E. Cochran, 25, of Glasgow, was arraigned July 2 and also is being held at the county jail on $75,000 bond.

Jackson Township police still are searching for two other suspects: James C. McLean of Colver and Jonathan D. Litzinger of Nanty Glo.

Township police Chief Robert Fatula said the foursome hot-wired a backhoe at Dolan’s Welding & Steel Fabrication in Mundys Corner in April or May and loaded the pipe onto a getaway vehicle.

Shomo then sold some of the pipes at a neighboring scrapyard for $9,124, Fatula said.

The money has not been recovered, he said.

Police identified the four suspects after receiving a telephone tip.

Shomo was picked up in Huntingdon County on a minor drug violation. Police there later learned Shomo was wanted in Jackson Township.