HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a Florida man will serve 2½ to 20 years in state prison for targeting older residents during a spree of distraction burglaries in western Pennsylvania.
Steve Nichols, 57, who previously pleaded guilty to seven burglaries in five counties, was recently sentenced in Butler County Court.
Investigators said Nichols was the driving force of the burglary team that posed as utility workers to deceive and distract homeowners.
“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 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.”
Many of the victims were in their 80s and were home alone during the crimes, which happened in Butler, Erie, Indiana, Lackawanna, and Westmoreland counties.
During the heists, one of the men distracted the occupants while the other ransacked the homes, stealing cash, jewelry, coins, and other valuables.
A Statewide Investigating Grand Jury heard testimony about the spree. As part of its investigation, the Office of Attorney General Organized Crime Section analyzed bank, rental car, and cellphone records, as well as video from doorbell cameras.
Nichols’ son, Archie Marino, was also charged in the scheme.
The crimes were initially investigated by Millcreek Township, Mount Pleasant and Scranton police departments, and Pennsylvania State Police.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Summer Carroll prosecuted the cases.
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