Accused Smash-and-Grab Thief Going to Trial on Dozens of Charges

The man accused of numerous smash-and-grab car break-ins last year in Bridgeville is heading to trial on dozens of charges related to the thefts

Phillip Acosta, 26, formerly of Bridgeville, waived to court 23 counts of criminal mischief, 18 counts of theft from a motor vehicle, 16 counts of receiving stolen property and six counts of criminal attempt before his preliminary hearing with District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet on Feb. 15.

Investigators said Acosta admitted to many of the more than 20 “smash-and-grab” car break-ins that occurred in the borough in January 2012. Bridgeville police arrested Acosta in December after investigators said they were able to link him to the break-ins using DNA evidence from blood found at the scene.

Most items that were taken were GPS units or cell phones, but in several cases, the thief only took a couple bucks from the coin slot.

He was released following the preliminary hearing and his formal arraignment is scheduled for April 12.

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District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet - 2/25

Charges held for court

• Charges of drunken driving, accident involving damage and speeding against Michael V. Sebrosky, 35, of Bridgeville, were held for court. Bridgeville police arrested Sebrosky on Jan. 30.

Charges waived to court

• Charges of trespassing, receiving stolen property and theft against Austin M. O’Brien, 18, of Oakdale, were waived to court. Collier Township police charged O’Brien on Jan. 20.

• Charges of access device used to obtain services, theft and forgery against Katherine A. Ogrady, 25, of Oakdale, were waived to court. South Fayette police charged Ogrady on Feb. 13.

• Charges of drunken driving and careless driving against Mary C. Todd, 26, of Bridgeville, were waived to court. South Fayette police arrested Todd on Jan. 6.

• Drunken driving charges against Terrence Mannering, 49, of Carnegie, were waived to court. Bridgeville police arrested Mannering on Dec. 2.

• Charges of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia against Troy L. Gray, 25, of Bridgeville, were waived to court. More serious charges of possession with intent to deliver were withdrawn by police. Bridgeville police charged Gray on Nov. 1.

• Charges of selling offensive weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance against Patrick R. Jones, 28, of South Fayette, were waived to court. South Fayette police charged Jones on Feb. 12.

• A theft charge against Derek A. Dernosek, 26, of Bridgeville, was waived to court while a theft charge was withdrawn. South Fayette police charged Dernosek was charged on Dec. 19.

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