Pa. Man Sentenced in Theft of Fire Dept. Equipment
Source The Valley Independent, Monessen, Pa.
March 22--A former New Eagle man pleaded guilty to stealing more than $40,000 of equipment from the New Eagle Fire Department.
Michael Edward Griest, 25, of 40 Reese Ave., Bentleyville, formerly of 147 First Ave., New Eagle, pleaded guilty Monday on charges of theft and receiving stolen property before Washington County Judge Paul Pozonsky.
In exchange for his plea, Pozonsky sentenced him to the Intermediate Punishment Program for 23 months. He will spend the first three months in jail, followed by three months of electronic home monitoring, then three years of state probation.
Griest was also ordered to repay the fire department.
Griest was arrested by Monongahela police Oct. 4 on charges of selling 28 aluminum breathing apparatus tanks and brass from fire department equipment to Monongahela Iron and Metal in Monongahela, from Sept. 22 to 29.
Police said Griest received approximately $350 for the items he sold to Monongahela Iron and Metal.
Other firefighting equipment and property, including a portable radio, Playstation gaming console, VCR, electric generator, sirens, and a steel tub were stolen.
Police arrested Griest's girlfriend, Tiffany Gola, 22, of 40 Reese Road, Bentleyville. Police allege Gola helped Griest sell the breathing apparatus tanks.
She was charged with one felony count each of receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
Gola's case is pending, and she is scheduled to appear before Pozonsky March 30.
Copyright 2012 - The Valley Independent, Monessen, Pa.
