A Westmoreland County carpet installer is charged with stealing a Rostraver customer’s coin collection valued at more than $1,000 while working in her home last month.
Curtis Burkholder, 51, of Hempfield, is charged with theft and receiving stolen property by township police in connection with the theft that allegedly occurred when he was installing carpeting in a residence on the 1100 block of Willowbrook Drive on Oct. 2.
The female victim told Rostraver police Sgt. Kerry August that she had been saving spare coins for years in two “large animal cracker containers” stored in her walk-in closet. She told August the containers held more than $1,000 in coins.
She noticed both containers were empty after the carpet was replaced and repeatedly telephoned Burkholder. She said Burkholder did not return her telephone calls.
The victim then telephoned a co-worker of Burkholder’s who admitted seeing him with a large amount of coins at his residence shortly after completing the work. August reported that the co-worker said he would have Burkholder return the currency.
According to August, a short time after making the complaint, the victim received $20 in coins in a small plastic bag.
August reported in court documents that Burkholder has not responded to repeated telephone inquiries about the theft.
According to court dockets, in 2008 a complaint of theft by unlawful taking filed by Greensburg police was dismissed against Burkholder after an agreement was reached that he would pay $1,600 restitution. Court records indicate that Burkholder made only one $200 payment and still owes $1,400 that is more than 11 years overdue.
Burkholder could not be reached for comment. A hearing is scheduled Dec. 28 before Rostraver District Judge Charles Christner.
