Two arrested in theft of motorcycle

Tamaqua police have arrested two men in connection with the Sept. 27 theft of a motorcycle. A third man allegedly involved in the incident was cited by West Penn Township police.

According to the affadavit of probable cause,township police observed two males and a motorcycle to the rear of Action Glass, West Penn Pike, in South Tamaqua, early that September morning. When officers turned into the lot the males fled on foot. The ignition wires on the motorcycle had been cut. A records check determined the bike was owned by Michael Orach, of Tamaqua. When contacted Orach told officers the cycle had been stored at a garage at 311 Penn St., Tamaqua, and no one had permission to use it.

Tamaqua police were contacted as the theft apparently took place in the borough. West Penn's investigation led to Troy Mamuzich, 19, and Michael Mehallic, 20, both of 17 South Tamaqua Drive. It was determined they were the duo who fled from the Action Glass area. They told officers they were removing the motorcycle from the Mamuzich property when they were observed by police.

Upon further investigation officers learned the motorcycle had been removed from the Penn Street garage by a third party, Seth Valentine, 29, of 529 N. Railroad St., Tamaqua. Valentine was allegedly looking for help in transporting the cycle to the Allentown area.

Township police cited Mamuzich and Mehallic with receiving stolen property.

Tamaqua police charged Mamuzich with felony counts of criminal conspiracy to commit theft and receiving stolen property. He was arraigned before District Judge Stephen Bayer, of Tamauqa, on Monday. Bail was set at $10,000 unsecured.

Valentine was also arraigned before Bayer on Monday. He was charged with felony counts of burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property. His bail was set at $10,000 straight cash. He was incarcerated in the Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, in lieu of bail and as a result of a parole violation.