CLEARFIELD – Two men accused of burglarizing a Goshen Township residence and forging checks have waived their rights to preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling.
Robert Joseph Gavlock, 35, of Clearfield and Merrill John Lonjin Jr., 28, of Woodland have been charged with burglary; criminal conspiracy/burglary; theft by unlawful taking; receiving stolen property; and forgery. Gavlock is incarcerated at the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $25,000 straight bail. Lonjin’s bail is currently set at $25,000 unsecured.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 23, 2012, Gavlock and Lonjin went to the victim’s residence in Goshen Township. Upon arrival they allegedly entered the residence through an unlocked door and proceeded to remove a home entertainment system, a Steelers wristwatch and three personal bank checks with the victim’s name on them. Gavlock and Lonjin loaded the items into Lonjin’s vehicle and fled the scene.
On Oct. 23 or Oct. 24 of 2012, Lonjin and Gavlock traveled to Williamsport, where they allegedly sold the entertainment system to a pawn shop for drugs.
On Oct. 23, 2012, Gavlock allegedly issued one stolen check to Lonjin by dating it and filling in Lonjin’s name. Lonjin allegedly filled in the amount of $400 and signed the victim’s name. On the same date, Lonjin allegedly attempted to cash the check at the First Commonwealth Bank in Clearfield but was denied.
On Oct. 23, 2012, Lonjin and Gavlock went to the Clearfield Bank & Trust Company, where Lonjin allegedly forged another stolen check and cashed it in the amount of $400. The next day, Lonjin and Gavlock went to the same bank, where Lonjin allegedly forged another stolen check in the amount of $300.
On Dec. 26, 2012, Lonjin provided a written statement to the state police. He admitted to driving Gavlock to the victim’s residence and committing the burglary. He also admitted to stealing the entertainment system and forging the checks.
On Feb. 7, 2013, Gavlock provided a written statement to state police in the presence of his attorney at the CCJ. He admitted to being involved with the crimes.
