Police from West Penn Township and Schuylkill Townships have charged two more people in connection with the thefts of Verizon copper lines in those townships.
On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, West Penn Township Police Chief Jim Bonner and Schuylkill Township Police Officer Doug Litwhiler filed charges against Kerrie Kerestus, 48, and Eric Payne, 47, both of New Ringgold with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, theft of secondary metal, possession of an instrument of a crime.
Both were charged after the investigation and questioning of Daniel Hall, 58, and Stephanie Keck, 44, by Officer Litwhiler led to the finding of wire cutting tools and casings consistent with Verizon wiring at Kerestus's and Payne's home on Hughes Street in New Ringgold.
The Original Investigation:
The incident, occurring between December 5, 2023, and December 6, 2023, saw the theft of approximately 310 feet of communication cables.
The efforts of Schuylkill Township Police and West Penn Township Police, led by Officer Litwhiler and Chief Bonner, respectively, uncovered a complex web of criminal activities.
Hall and Keck, already under arrest on separate West Penn Township charges, face charges including theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and possessing the instrument of the crime.
Both are currently detained at the Schuylkill County Prison on a $50,000.00 Straight Cash Bail.
West Penn Township Investigation:
The investigation began on December 11, 2023, when the West Penn Township Police Department received a report from Verizon concerning the theft of communication cables in the 3100 block of Route 0895 (Summer Valley Road). Chief Bonner's affidavit outlined the meticulous steps taken to connect the dots.
Verizon worker John Crispo's account revealed the removal of communication cables from multiple poles, sparking a hunt for the perpetrators. The investigation uncovered a similar theft in Foster Township, where evidence led back to Hall through a receipt from Harbor Freight.
Harbor Freight's records, combined with information from Zaprazny Scrap yard, linked Hall to the scrapping of #2 copper wire on December 13, 2023.
West Penn Township Investigation:
The investigation began on December 11, 2023, when the West Penn Township Police Department received a report from Verizon concerning the theft of communication cables in the 3100 block of Route 0895 (Summer Valley Road). Chief Bonner's affidavit outlined the meticulous steps taken to connect the dots.
Verizon worker John Crispo's account revealed the removal of communication cables from multiple poles, sparking a hunt for the perpetrators. The investigation uncovered a similar theft in Foster Township, where evidence led back to Hall through a receipt from Harbor Freight.
Harbor Freight's records, combined with information from Zaprazny Scrap yard, linked Hall to the scrapping of #2 copper wire on December 13, 2023.
A $5,000.00 reward from Verizon spurred the investigation, leading to a tip about Hall scrapping large amounts of wire at EMR Scrap yard in Hazelton.
Chief Bonner and Officer Litwhiler responded to the tip, obtaining records of Hall's sales and pictures of the stolen wire. A second tip indicated wire burning along power lines in Delano Township. The investigation led to the discovery of burnt remnants consistent with the stolen wire. The estimated value of the theft, according to Verizon Security, exceeded $10,000.
A breakthrough came on December 21, 2023, with a tip reporting Hall's presence at Zaprazny in New Ringgold. A traffic stop on Route 309 led to the apprehension of Hall and Keck, both found with suspended licenses. Keck, cooperating with authorities, revealed details of their month-long spree of wire thefts.
Schuylkill Township Investigation:
Patrolman Douglas Litwhiler's affidavit from Schuylkill Township Police filed on December 26th, 2023, filed through Magisterial District Judge Dave Plachko's office provided additional information to the case. Verizon worker John Crispo reported the theft of approximately 310 feet of Verizon phone lines on December 6, 2023.
Hall and Keck, during their month-long spree, allegedly scrapped #2 copper wire at Zaprazny Scrap yard and EMR Scrap yard in Hazle Township. A tip from Verizon Security about Hall scrapping large amounts of wire at ERM scrap in Hazleton added to the evidence.
The investigation revealed Hall's acknowledgment of the severity of his actions, with him reportedly stating, "I did not mean for that to happen" when informed that an elderly person could not call 911 due to the severed phone lines.
Keck admitted to her involvement in stealing wires from Schuylkill Township, dropping Hall off at locations, and later picking him up. She detailed their method of burning the stolen wire along power lines in Delano and selling it to Zaprazny and ERM. The estimated value of the theft in Schuylkill Township also exceeded $10,000.
A search of the U-Haul used in their activities uncovered an arsenal of tools, including cable cutters, side angle cutters, propane torch, gas cans, and various wire cutting tools. Keck's possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia further added to the charges.
Chief Bonner and Officer Litwhiler responded to the tip, obtaining records of Hall's sales and pictures of the stolen wire. A second tip indicated wire burning along power lines in Delano Township. The investigation led to the discovery of burnt remnants consistent with the stolen wire. The estimated value of the theft, according to Verizon Security, exceeded $10,000.
A breakthrough came on December 21, 2023, with a tip reporting Hall's presence at Zaprazny in New Ringgold. A traffic stop on Route 309 led to the apprehension of Hall and Keck, both found with suspended licenses. Keck, cooperating with authorities, revealed details of their month-long spree of wire thefts.
Schuylkill Township Investigation:
Patrolman Douglas Litwhiler's affidavit from Schuylkill Township Police filed on December 26th, 2023, filed through Magisterial District Judge Dave Plachko's office provided additional information to the case. Verizon worker John Crispo reported the theft of approximately 310 feet of Verizon phone lines on December 6, 2023.
Hall and Keck, during their month-long spree, allegedly scrapped #2 copper wire at Zaprazny Scrap yard and EMR Scrap yard in Hazle Township. A tip from Verizon Security about Hall scrapping large amounts of wire at ERM scrap in Hazleton added to the evidence.
The investigation revealed Hall's acknowledgment of the severity of his actions, with him reportedly stating, "I did not mean for that to happen" when informed that an elderly person could not call 911 due to the severed phone lines.
Keck admitted to her involvement in stealing wires from Schuylkill Township, dropping Hall off at locations, and later picking him up. She detailed their method of burning the stolen wire along power lines in Delano and selling it to Zaprazny and ERM. The estimated value of the theft in Schuylkill Township also exceeded $10,000.
A search of the U-Haul used in their activities uncovered an arsenal of tools, including cable cutters, side angle cutters, propane torch, gas cans, and various wire cutting tools. Keck's possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia further added to the charges.