MINERAL TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Franklin man allegedly stole two four-wheelers and then lied to state police about the incident when he was interviewed.

According to court documents, Franklin-based State Police filed criminal charges against 18-year-old Casey Lee Williams, of Franklin, on Monday, April 15.

The charges stem from the theft of two four-wheelers from a garage at a Wheeler Road residence in Mineral Township, Venango County, on April 8, according to a criminal complaint.

The crime was reported by the victims on April 9.

Through the course of the investigation, Casey Lee Williams was identified as a potential suspect, according to the complaint.

Williams was interviewed at his residence on April 9, and he denied any knowledge of the theft of the four-wheelers and stated that he was at his friend’s house.

On April 12, Trooper Shiley, of PSP Franklin, was contacted by the victim who was able to retrieve the key for one of the four-wheelers and related that they were told the four-wheelers were at a residence on Brown Siding Road.

Trooper Shiley went to that location but was unable to make contact with the resident, as he had recently died.

There was an empty garage without a door at that location, but Trooper Shiley did no proceed any farther onto the property. Also on April 12, Trooper Shiley attempted to make contact with the individual who provided the victim with the key, but he was unsuccessful.

On April 15, the individual who provided the key to the victim was interviewed. The individual reported that he had received the key from Williams, that Williams stated he took the four-wheelers, and that they were being stored at the Brown Siding Road residence, the complaint states.

That individual also provided a written statement.

Trooper Shiley then made contact with Williams and placed him under arrest.

During a subsequent interview, Williams allegedly admitted to lying to Trooper Shiley during the first interview, even though he had been warned of the consequences of unsworn falsification.

Williams also allegedly admitted that he had knowledge of the whereabouts of the four-wheelers, admitted to riding one, and then storing it in a shed.

He showed Trooper Shiley exactly where the four-wheelers were hidden.

When the four-wheelers were removed from the shed, a brown cotton glove was located on the right foot peg of the Suzuki, and Williams admitted that it was his glove, according to the complaint.

Williams was arraigned at 10:45 p.m. on April 15 in Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland’s office on the following charges:

– Burglary — Not Adapted for Overnight Accommodation, No Person Present, Felony 2
– Criminal Trespass-Enter Structure, Felony 3
– Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Felony 3 (two counts)
– Receiving Stolen Property, Felony 3 (two counts)
– Unsworn Falsification to Authorities, Misdemeanor 2
– Tamper With/Fabricate Physical Evidence, Misdemeanor 2 (two counts)
– Criminal Mischief-Damage Property, Summary

He is currently free on $15,000.00 unsecured bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 24 with Judge Kirtland presiding.