HUNKER MAN ORDERED TO PAY RESTITUTION

A Hunker man was ordered to pay restitution to his victims in connection with a check-kiting scheme.  The Trib reports that 56-year-old William Barnhart pleaded guilty yesterday to a felony count of theft.  According to court records, police said sometime in 2020 Barnhart broke into local homes in Hempfield, South Huntingdon and New Stanton and stole checks that he used over the next several years to make as many as 40 separate purchases at businesses in Westmoreland, Indiana, Allegheny and two other counties, along with outdoor shows near Harrisburg.  Two of the victims he stole checks from were arrested in other jurisdictions on suspicion of financial crimes.  Along with paying over $32,000 in restitution to his victims, Barnhart was also ordered to serve three years of probation.