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November 27, 2009

Chestnut Street residents face burglary charges

New Castle police captured a couple in the process of a break-in on the city’s East Side.

Police were called about 4:30 p.m. Saturday to 617 Oak St. after witnesses reported seeing a male and female kick in the back door and enter the multifamily residence. Police, who were positioned at both the front and back doors, saw the two inside and told them to come out with their hands raised.

Police arrested Frank Gatto III, 27, and his fiancée, Stephanie Jerasa, 27, both of 705 Chestnut St. Officers found a black crowbar in the front pocket of Gatto’s sweatshirt along with a 6-inch pocketknife and 8-inch spring-loaded pocketknife on Jerasa.

Gatto faces four felony charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy/burglary, criminal trespassing and criminal conspiracy/trespassing as well as one count of possessing an instrument of crime.

Jerasa is charged with four felony counts of burglary, criminal conspiracy/burglary, criminal trespassing and criminal conspiracy/trespassing. She also faces one count of possession of a prohibited offensive weapon.

District Judge Jerry Cartwright arraigned the pair Saturday and released them on their own recognizance.

Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lawrence County Central Court.

According to the report, Gatto told police he noticed the vacant house earlier that day and decided to go back to “look around.” He said he discussed the return trip with Jerasa, who would serve as the lookout while he was inside. Gatto told police Jerasa went inside the house to warn him when the police arrived.

Gatto also stated to police that if there was anything in the house worth taking, he would have done so.

Police also interviewed Jerasa who admitted going inside the house to “look around.” Jerasa said she and Gatto returned after they saw people hanging out at the house earlier in the day. She then asked for an attorney and the interview ended.

According to county records, the Oak Street property is owned by Robert Epling of West Penn Properties.

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