Monday, February 22, 2021

Two Charged with Burglarizing Burned Mansion After Fire in Minersville

The Minersville Police Department has charged two with burglarizing a home that was damaged by fire in the borough earlier this month.

On Tuesday, February 9th, 2021, just after 3:00pm, the Minersville Fire Department responded to 28 Sunbury Street for a house fire.

Fire crews from around Schuylkill County responded and fought the fire at the historic mansion for several hours before bringing it under control and leaving 8 people displaced.

According to Minersville Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers on Thursday, February 11th, 2021, around 1:15am, officers were dispatched to the burned structure for a report of people inside with flashlights.  When police arrived, the suspects had already fled the scene.

On February 12th, 2021, police met with the owners of the building and found that a kitchen window had been smashed and a large number of items were stolen including kick boxing bags, gloves, jewelry, antique clocks, power tools, luggage, Tiffany lamps, and other items totaling in value over $6,400.

Through the investigation, Patrolman Bowers said witnesses identified the suspects involved as Mary Malave, 33, and Victor Moulier, 44, of Westwood Street, Minersville.

A search warrant was obtained for the suspects' home and with the help of other members of law enforcement, the warrant was executed.

Inside the home, a large number of items that were stolen were recovered.

Malave admitted to committing the burglary with Moulier  and also admitted to employing their juvenile daughters to commit the burglary with them.

Both have been charged with Burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, corruption of minors and criminal mischief.

A preliminary hearing will be scheduled before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko.

Police say the victims are seeking restitution for the items stolen that were not recovered.

Photos of Suspects Courtesy of the Minersville Police Department

For more information on the fire, check out Fire and Film's Coverage