Warren Man Charged in Pa. Trailer Thefts Worth $1.2M

Written by Tom Coombe

Pennsylvania State Police say two men, one from Northampton County, one from Somerset County, stole more than $1 million worth of tractor trailers and sold them for scrap metal.

Christopher Warnicke, 38, of Warren, is charged with corrupt organizations, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

Wilson, Pa., resident Jason Smith, 37, is wanted for theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

According to court records, the two men were involved in the theft of 31 trailers, valued at $1.2 million, between April and July.

Warnicke is the president of Fatzin Recycling, outside of Bangor. Smith worked for a company W. W. Transport. Police say Smith would take trucks to Warnicke's company for cash. Warnicke would then take them to another recycling business.

Police say the investigation began in June when a truck was reported stolen at Conagra. The truck was owned by W.W. Transport, which is based in Iowa.

Police spoke to W.W.'s owner Jeff Walters, who said he'd gotten a anonymous tip that one of his workers named "Jay" was stealing trailers and selling them for scrap. Smith was the only "Jay" on the company payroll, police said.

Walters did an inventory, and found at least 21 missing trailers. 

Ultimately, Smith stole 31 trailers, police said — 29 from W.W. and two from InterCoastal Trucking in Upper Mount Bethel.

Warnicke was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Daniel Corpora in Easton and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, but has since been released after posting bail.