Investigators: Bucks County Man Stole $638K Worth Of Equipment From SEPTA
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Bucks County man was arrested and charged with multiple felonies for theft of more than half of $1 million worth of parts stolen from several different SEPTA stations.
Twenty-eight-year-old Kyle Allen, of Langhorne was arraigned Thursday.
Allen is accused of stealing more than 500 car batteries, approximately 260 catalytic converters, 100 spools of wire and parts specific to the SEPTA El train, in addition to other electrical components. Investigators say he sold them for scrap metal at a fraction of their value, estimated to be $638,000.
According to officials, the thefts began in May when Plymouth Township Police responded to a call at the SEPTA Frontier Division facility on Alan Wood Road. The manager of the facility was able to identify the male driving away from the scene as the defendant, who worked at another SEPTA facility.
"The defendant's actions unfortunately impact all of us who ride SEPTA," said Attorney General Kevin Steele. "This is a huge loss for SEPTA and for what -- the defendant only received pennies on the dollar from the scrapyard. He is now incarcerated and faces substantial jail time for his actions."
Thefts also took place at the 69th Street Transportation Center and Victory Depot in Upper Darby, as well as Midvale, Comly and Callowhill depots.
Allen was remanded to jail for failing to meet bail.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 8.
