James R. Ferrier
ORWIGSBURG — A Palo Alto man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing May 2 on charges stemming from what authorities say was his taking thousands of dollars worth of aluminum in March from an Orwigsburg business.
David E. Mengle, 29, of 44 E. Bacon St. First Floor Room A, faces four counts each of theft and receiving stolen property and one of damaging real property by operation of motor vehicle. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court after Mengle waived his right to the hearing.
Orwigsburg police charged Mengle with stealing extruded aluminum and scrap aluminum with a total value of $8,660 between March 22 and March 30 from Bartush Signs Inc.
Police said Mengle, who once worked for the company, took some of the aluminum from Bartush’s headquarters at 302 N. Washington St. and the rest from another property at 605 Industrial Drive. Mengle used a black 1996 Jeep Cherokee to haul the metal away, and also caused $1,150 in damage to the North Washington Street property, according to police.
Mengle, whom police allege admitted to committing the thefts, is in prison in lieu of $5,000 straight cash bail pending further court proceedings.