West Newton, PA -- Pennsylvania State Police charged a West Virginia man with burglarizing a church in West Newton in 2023. 

Troopers responded to a burglary alarm on N 2nd Street in West Newton in the early morning hours of January 24, 2023. 

The location was Holy Family Catholic Church and the alarm indicated there was motion detected near a side door and the sanctuary of the church. 

Troopers located a pickup truck in the parking lot of the church which was reported stolen out of Connellsville. 

The side door was ajar, and the alarm was still active, but police did not locate anyone inside of the building.

Candles were smashed near the alter of the church. 

Upon reviewing surveillance video, police observed two males arrive in the truck and attempt to enter the church from the side door. 

After several minutes, the males then exit the church and attempt to reenter the truck, set off the truck's alarm, and fled the scene. 

Two hours later, police were notified of a pursuit occurring in Elizabeth Township with a suspected stolen box truck. 

State police assisted after the driver was taken into custody and observed the actor wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance video from the church burglary. 

The forensic unit was called to process the stolen vehicle for evidence. 

Police located a smoking pipe with residue, plastic baggie with white residue, and a plastic baggie with suspected methamphetamine inside of the truck. 

Richter is awaiting arraignment on arrest. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.