Charges Held for Court Against Bridgeville 'Getaway Driver'

The following is an update on court cases heard by District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet on July 1. McGraw-Desmet oversees Bridgeville and Collier Township.

Charges were held for court earlier this month against a man who allegedly left his girlfriend at the scene of the crime while she stole items from the Bridgeville Rite Aid in March.

Joshua Patragas, 33, of Washington Pa., was charged with retail theft and conspiracy after a theft at Rite Aid on March 1.

Bridgeville police said Patragas left the parking lot when officers arrived, leaving behind his girlfriend, Joanna Swisher, who had been stopped by store employees for stealing items. Swisher also was charged with retail theft and conspiracy.

Formal arraignment for Patragas is scheduled for Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. at the county courthouse.

Waived/Held for Court:

• Christopher Verdoni, 19, of Oakdale, waived to court a charge of making false reports to police. Several other charges, including criminal attempt (theft), conspiracy (theft), and tampering with evidence, were withdrawn. Collier Township police charged Verdoni on May 23.

• Charges of aggravated assault, conspiracy and recklessly endangering another person against William Roche, 19, of Carnegie, were held for court. Collier Township police charged Roche on May 26.

• Charges of aggravated assault by vehicle, aggravated assault, conspiracy, recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving against Christopher Stanley were held for court. Collier Township police charged Stanley on May 26.