FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO WESTERN PA BURGLARIES

The Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s office says a Florida man faces up to 20 years behind bars for his role in a burglary ring that targeted Western Pennsylvania property owners.  Authorities say 57-year-old Steve Nichols had pleaded guilty to seven burglaries in Indiana, Westmoreland, Butler, Erie and Lackawanna counties.  His son — 39-year-old Archie Marino — was also convicted in the scheme.  Most of the victims were elderly homeowners who were home alone when Nichols and Marino visited them posing as utility workers.  One of the suspects would distract the homeowner while the other stole valuables from the home.