Police Accuse Vandergrift Pair of Stealing Money to Buy Heroin
by Jonathan Weaver
Charles George
A pair of Vandergrift residents is now in Armstrong County Jail after being accused of forcefully stealing money from a woman September 16 to purchase heroin.
Charles Paul George, 30, and Kodee May George, 23, were arrested by Pennsylvania State Police troopers after they allegedly stole $1,130 from Kathleen Klingensmith, 56 of Vandergrift
According to the criminal complaint, Klingensmith was driving the men to a mobile home in Burrell Township. Charles grabbed Klingensmith’s purse from the front passenger seat, and when she tried to pull it back, Kodee – sitting in the back seat - pulled her hair as the money was being removed.
Kodee George
When Klingensmith released the bag, Kodee allegedly said, “Sorry – we do not have any other choice.”
However, upon their arrest, the men told state troopers that they only took $100 to purchase heroin.
Charles was found with a syringe in his pocket upon his arrest.
The men face charges of third-degree felony robbery, misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking and summary harassment. They were arraigned before District Magisterial Judge Gary Decomo and jailed on $20,000 cash or property.
Charles is also charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
The alleged robbery was also done in the presence of a three-year old and two-year old child, which led to third-degree felony charges of endangering the welfare of children.
Further court action before interim District Judge Daniel George is pending.
Local News | jweaver September 21, 2015
