HARRISBURG, PA — A Florida man has been sentenced to 2½ to 20 years in a Pennsylvania state prison for orchestrating a series of distraction burglaries that specifically targeted elderly residents across five counties, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced.
Steve Nichols, 57, pleaded guilty to seven burglaries committed in Butler, Erie, Indiana, Lackawanna, and Westmoreland counties. Authorities say he led a team that posed as utility workers to gain access to victims’ homes, often while they were alone.
According to investigators, Nichols designed the scheme to exploit older Pennsylvanians, whom he considered more susceptible to deception. “The defendant was the engineer of this criminal conduct, intentionally targeting older Pennsylvanians because he felt they were more vulnerable to be duped,” said Attorney General Sunday. “This case should serve as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant when contacted by people they do not know.”
The crimes typically involved one team member distracting the homeowner while another looted valuables, including jewelry, cash, coins, and sentimental items. Many victims were in their 80s.
The case was brought before a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Prosecutors relied on cellphone data, rental car records, bank activity, and home security footage to build their case. Nichols’ son, Archie Marino, also faces charges in connection with the scheme.
The investigation was led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Section in collaboration with multiple local police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police. Senior Deputy Attorney General Summer Carroll prosecuted the case.
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