For almost a year, Edward M. Matalavage conducted a drug-induced crime spree in central, eastern and southern Schuylkill County, breaking into various buildings and vehicles and stealing their contents.
Now, Matalavage, 37, of New Philadelphia, is headed to state prison for his crimes, as he pleaded guilty Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to numerous counts of burglary and other crimes.
"You've been a busy fellow and you've hurt a lot of people," Judge John E. Domalakes told a contrite Matalavage while accepting his plea to the crimes he committed during his spree.
Domalakes did not immediately sentence Matalavage, instead ordering him sent to State Correctional Institution/Camp Hill for evaluation of his fitness for the state intermediate punishment program, which combines imprisonment with treatment for substance abuse problems.
"I hope that this ... will correct any remaining drug problem you have," Domalakes said.
Matalavage pleaded guilty to 13 counts of theft, 10 each of burglary and receiving stolen property, eight of conspiracy, five each of criminal trespass and criminal mischief, four of altered, forged or counterfeit documents, and one each of theft from a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and attempted burglary.
"I take full responsibility for what I did," Matalavage said.
Police said Matalavage and his accomplices broke into, among other places, several hunting cabins, two barns, a caddy shack, a pickup truck, a trailer and a shed. The break-ins occurred between December 2011 and September 2012, while the altered, forged or counterfeit document offenses were committed in January 2013, according to police.
Locations of Matalavage's crimes included Blythe, East Brunswick, Ryan, Schuylkill, Walker and West Penn townships, police said.
Items Matalavage stole included a kayak, a refrigerator, an all-terrain vehicle, tree stands, a shotgun, a cash register, an air compressor, a battery, coal company equipment, construction company equipment and a weedwhacker, according to police.
"How did you get involved in this long series of crimes?" Domalakes asked Matalavage.
"Drugs, sir," Matalavage answered.
"It's your responsibility not to get involved in drugs," Domalakes responded.
Ronald R. Pellish, Pottsville, Matalavage's lawyer, said his client knows what he did was wrong and has done his best to atone for what he has done.
"He openly spoke and admitted" his crimes, Pellish said. "He fully cooperated."
Domalakes computed that Matalavage will owe $43,304.09 restitution to various victims.
"I don't know how you're going to make all this restitution," the judge said to Matalavage.Defendant: Edward M. Matalavage
Age: 37
Residence: New Philadelphia
Crimes committed: 13 counts of theft, 10 each of burglary and receiving stolen property, eight of conspiracy, five each of criminal trespass and criminal mischief, four of altered, forged or counterfeit documents, and one each of theft from a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and attempted burglary