Pittsburgh Business Owner Found Not Guilty of Felony Theft
A Pittsburgh-based business owner – whose company cleaned offices, residences, and other buildings – was recently charged with a third-degree felony for theft by unlawful taking after a Carnegie Mellon student accused him of stealing $4,500 worth of electronics during a routine end-of-the-semester cleaning at their residence. Wanting to avoid the potential prison sentence and fine that could stem from a conviction, the man reached out to Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC for help.
The client had been contracted by the CMU student’s landlord to clean the residence so that it would be prepared for the new tenants who were set to move in shortly. When the client arrived at the home and began sorting through various piles of trash, a neighbor informed him that people were still living in the home. As such, a phone call was made, and one of the home’s residents said one of their roommates was still living there, and that everything should be put back where it was. The client obliged, stating he’d come back when everyone was fully moved out.
A few days later, he received a call from the police, stating a tenant was accusing him of stealing $4,500 worth of various electronic devices. Law enforcement informed the man that if he returned the items, no further questions would be asked. Stating his innocence, the client refused to pay for the missing items, and he was charged with the theft.
As attorney Matthew Ness got to work on the case, the client revealed to him that he often takes photos of apartments when he enters the units to clean them. Looking at pictures from the apartment in question, it was noted that piles of items had notes that said “trash” on them. Because of this notation, the client threw out those piles. All the while, he maintained that he did not take a tote that contained the allegedly stolen electronics.
The case went to trial, and the client was offered a deal in which he could simply pay for the missing items. Further maintaining his innocence, he declined the offer. Facts came out during the case, and the landlord testified on the client’s behalf. After about 35 minutes, the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty. As such, the client avoided years in prison, and a hefty fine.
The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.