Two men are facing felony charges after Pennsylvania State Police say they broke into two fire-damaged, unoccupied homes along Minersville Street in Norwegian Township earlier this month.
According to court documents, Michael Spirko Jr., 52, of Pottsville, and Corey Michael Cromyak, 38, of New Philadelphia, were both charged with two felony counts of burglary, two misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to possess instruments of crime with intent, and two misdemeanor counts of criminal attempt – theft by unlawful taking.
Troopers from PSP Schuylkill Haven responded on June 3, 2025, to 313 and 315 Minersville Street after receiving reports of two suspicious males walking in the rear yards of the vacant properties. Both residences were heavily damaged by fire in December 2024 and remain unoccupied.
When troopers arrived, the suspects had already left the scene, but State Police located a blue 2005 Subaru Forester nearby, a vehicle known to law enforcement. Trooper Kalinich waited and soon saw two men—matching the earlier descriptions—return to the vehicle. They were identified as Spirko and Cromyak. Both men were observed with black soot on their clothing, consistent with the fire-damaged structures.
According to Trooper Kalinich’s affidavit, both suspects admitted on body camera footage that they had entered the rear doors of both 313 and 315 Minersville Street and searched for valuables to steal. They told police they left empty-handed and returned to their vehicle. While no stolen items were recovered, police did find a pair of orange pliers in Spirko’s possession during a post-arrest search.
Both men were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko. Bail for each was set at $25,000 unsecured, with 10% required for release.
Spirko posted bail and was released from Schuylkill County Prison on June 9, 2025. Cromyak remains incarcerated at the county prison.
A preliminary hearing for both suspects is scheduled for July 8, 2025, before Judge Plachko.