East Pikeland Man to Stand Trial for Alleged Arsons, Copper Burglaries

An East Pikeland man accused with taking part in a copper burglary and arson scheme that damaged nearly 30 homes in Montgomery and Delaware counties will stand trial for the charges, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.

Kevin Colosimo will join Ryan Nelson of Alden and Megan Gawel of Newark, Del., at a formal arraignment in Montgomery County court on June 6, according to the report, following Colosimo’s preliminary hearing last week.

The three defendants have been charged in a scheme to steal copper piping from vacant houses and then set fire to the structures, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office says.

Incidents occurred in Abington, East Norriton, Limerick, Pottstown, Swarthmore, Havertown, and Aston, District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said.

“All of the burglaries took place in houses that were unoccupied and in some form of transition,” the District Attorney’s Office said. “All of the houses were owned by banks or holding companies or were otherwise part of an estate. All of the homes were listed for sale, and copper pipe had been stolen in each incident. Further, in several of the burglaries, the defendants ignited a fire by use of the kitchen stove.”

Gawel testified during last week’s hearing that she served as lookout while Colosimo, Nelson and another person would enter the homes, take the copper and leave.

From left: Kevin Colosimo, Ryan Nelson and Megan Gawel (Photos courtesy of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office)