Security Guard Accused of Providence Point Thefts

Scott Township police say a security guard was responsible for last year’s rash of burglaries and thefts at the retirement home.

Steven Kowalski, 49, of Baldwin, already has been charged with two counts of burglary along with receiving stolen property and theft after police said they arrested him when he showed up for his evening shift on May 31.

Investigators said they received a break in the case earlier that morning when a resident came home to find her deadbolt unlocked and a man hiding behind a chair in her apartment. Police said Kowalski put a cushion over his face and walked past the resident to leave her residence.

The resident didn’t see his face, but said he had dark hair and was wearing a white shirt and black pants, which is the uniform for security guards at the sprawling retirement facility. Police said they eliminated other potential suspects with the description and were able to target Kowalski.

Scott police Sgt. Jeff Skees said he checked pawn shop records in Pittsburgh and found an extensive list of items Kowalski had sold. Skees said some of the items matched possessions reported missing by Providence Point residents, including 25 charms that had personalized information on them and several sets of fine silverware.

Police estimate Kowalski took nearly $150,000 worth of items.

Skees said that Kowalski offered some sort of “admission” of guilt when being interviewed after the arrest. Skees said he expects to charge Kowalski with additional burglary and theft counts.

“At least now (residents) know they can sleep easy knowing the actor was found,” Skees said.

Providence Point administrators told Skees that Kowalski had been working as a security guard there for about two years. They changed the locks in February after the numerous thefts, although Skees said the security guard apparently obtained another master key to the residences.

Residents at the retirement home on Kane Boulevard that included jewelry, silverware, silver plate settings from October to December.

Kowalski is currently free on $10,000 bond.

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