A Florida man will go to state prison for 2 1/2 to 20 years for spearheading a team of burglars who targeted seniors in Western Pennsylvania in Butler, Indiana, Westmoreland and two other counties.
The state Attorney General's Office says 57-year-old Steve Nichols pleaded guilty to seven burglaries in which Nichols and a team of burglars posed as utility workers.
They targeted victims, some in their 80s, by distracting their victims while others rooted around their homes stealing cash, jewelry and other valuables.
Nichols' son, Archie Marino, is also facing charges.
“The defendant was the engineer of this criminal conduct, intentionally targeting older Pennsylvanians because he felt they were more vulnerable to be duped,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “My office is committed to holding fully accountable those who threaten the sanctity of our homes. This case should serve as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant when contacted by people they do not know.”