CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man accused of stealing items from his landlord then selling them for scrap had a hearing on Wednesday.
Joshua Valdiserri faces charges of four counts of burglary, two counts of criminal trespass, three counts of theft by unlawful taking and related charges.
The alleged victim testified that during the month of March, he was away on a service trip. He said he received a call from Valdiserri and the defendant’s girlfriend at the time, stating there was something wrong with their furnace. He said he told them he was away and asked if they could make due until he returned. He stated they indicated they could.
He said when he returned home, he found his property left wide open, with doors unlocked and open. He also said a shed on the property was open, and that a four wheeler, lawn tractor and go-kart were missing. He also stated that kitchen chairs, shelves and wardrobes were missing. He testified that a key to the shed was kept in the house. He said the tenants were not permitted in the shed, but that it was not in the lease, nor were they expressly forbidden from entering.
He said he called the police and that they eventually located two of the three items; the lawn tractor was destroyed at a scrap yard.
Under cross he testified that Valdiserri and his girlfriend admitted to burning the shelves, kitchen chairs and wardrobe. He said he checked out the furnace, and aside from needing cleaned out, it was in working order.
Valdiserri’s ex-girlfriend took the stand next, and stated that he took the items referenced earlier to a local scrap yard. She said she saw a receipt. She said he told her he took them for coal and cigarettes. She said she talked with police and was slated to take a lie detector test. She said Valdiserri told her to take some medications so she would pass the test.
“He wanted me to tell them he didn’t do it,” she said. She testified that he wanted her to take the fall. She indicated his reasoning was since she has kids, the judge wouldn’t be as hard on her as Valdiserri, who has a criminal record.
During cross, there was a question as to whether she had been charged in the incident. She indicated she was not. She also testified that she was unaware of the shed key in their residence, vehemently denying it was there.
Tpr. Mike Berta testified that after receiving the call they searched for the items and recovered the go-kart and four wheeler. He also said he got a written statement from Valdiserri’s then-girlfriend.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Chris Pentz argued for supervised or unsecured bail. He said there was no indication his client was a flight risk, though he did point out that his client left a halfway house once. Assistant District Attorney Josh Maines argued against unsecured bail, pointing out that Valdiserri did leave a halfway house.
Following arguments, Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins bound all charges to the next term of the Court of Common Pleas. Valdiserri remains in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.
