The search of a residence in connection with a nearly three-month investigation has led to a 57-year-old Wellsville man being taken into custody. The man is accused of burglarizing a laundromat and a disco in the community. The initial alleged offense occurred on July 8 as the man reportedly burglarized the laundromat. The second incident took place on Sept. 7 when the man reportedly broke into the same business a second time. The disco break-in occurred on Sept. 14.
The criminal charges for the first laundromat incident include second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree burglary, fifth-degree possession of stolen goods and petit larceny. The criminal mischief and burglary charges are felony offenses, and the remaining charges are misdemeanors. Charges for the second incident at the laundromat include attempted burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief, and possession of burglar’s tools. Charges faced in connection with the disco break-in include third-degree criminal mischief and burglary along with petit larceny and fifth-degree possession of stolen property.
The defendant has been arraigned, and he is being held on $40,000 bond or $20,000 bail. Accounts do not indicate whether witnesses may have provided information about the incidents in question or what details may have led to the man’s detention. An attorney assisting an individual in a similar case with a criminal defense might be concerned about the evidence at issue in the case. Additionally, the attorney might want to verify whether a client’s search and seizure rights were upheld during an investigation.
Allegations do not imply guilt, and an individual has the right to defend against such charges in court. If the prosecution’s evidence is weak, the defendant may wish to risk a jury trial. If the evidence seems strong, the defense attorney might recommend seeking a plea deal in order to keep penalties to a minimum.
Source: Wellsville Daily Reporter, “Wellsville man charged in multiple burglaries“, September 14, 2014