Some Charges Dropped Against Mechanic Accused of Bilking Auto Repair Shop

Several felony theft charges have been dropped against a mechanic accused of bilking the Collier Township auto repair shop where he worked.

Investigators withdrew three felony theft charges and four misdemeanor theft counts against Matthew R. Jankowski, 30, of Whitehall, before his Oct. 15 preliminary hearing.

However, Jankowski waived to trial three felony charges of theft by deception at his preliminary hearing before District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet.

Collier police alleged that Jankowski stole nearly $50,000 worth of parts and labor from the Mr. Tire retailer in Kirwan Heights during a five-month period from December to May. Upon his arrest in August, police said that workers at Mr. Tire discovered he was voiding invoices after customers had paid him for repairs.

Collier police Chief Tom Devin said it’s not unusual for investigators to withdraw some charges in order to pursue other counts. However, he could not say what exactly prompted investigators to withdraw seven of the 10 theft charges.

Jankowski is free on $10,000 bond. His formal arraignment on the three remaining theft charges is scheduled for Dec. 3 at the Allegheny County Courthouse.

Like the Chartiers Valley Patch Facebook page or sign up for our Daily E-mail Newsletter