Community Corner

Sewickley Hills Man Charged with Home Burglaries

David Lewandowski remains in Allegheny County Jail unable to post $10,000 bail.

A Sewickley Hills man is facing theft-related charges accused of stealing from his next door neighbor’s home and his landlord in Sewickley Heights.

David Lewandowski, 33, of Hilltop Lane, was arraigned Wednesday and placed in Allegheny County Jail on $10,000 straight bond, $5,000 for each offense.

Sewickley Heights police charged Lewandowski with burglary, criminal trespass,  theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. 

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Ohio Township police, which patrols Sewickley Hills, charged him with two counts burglary and criminal trespass, and one count each of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property.

On Nov. 4, township police were called to a home on Hilltop Lane after the residents discovered $1,000 in jewelry and $1,000 in cash missing. Police collected evidence and quickly developed Lewandowski as a "person of interest." Police said he's had financial problems, lives in the vicinity and knew how to access the victims' home because he's done repair work for them.

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Ohio police spoke to Lewandowski, who denied any involvement. Police soon learned he had been selling a voluminous amount of jewelry in the Beaver County area spanning over the course of several months.

Sewickley Heights police also began investigating a Nov. 8 theft about a half-mile away from Lewandowski's residence at his landlord’s house. Jewelry, rings, necklaces and coins valued at $4,430 were taken from the home. Police said Lewandowski stole from his landlord in the past, but the landlord did not prosecute.

Police obtained photos of the jewelry Lewandowski pawned at Young’s Jewelry in Rochester, Beaver County. On Nov. 16, all of the victims were able to identify several pieces of jewelry that belonged to them, police said.

Police then obtained a search warrant for Lewandowski's home and two vehicles, and found more jewelry belonging to the victims.

During an interview with officers, police said Lewandowski admitted to the burglaries due to financial difficulties in his life. 

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