Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

Washington police have arrested a second man in connection with a home invasion last month on East Katherine Avenue.

Kevin M. Partozoti, 20, of Washington, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of burglary and criminal conspiracy. He is accused as an accomplice of Robert Allen Benney, 33, of Canton Township, when the two broke into the home March 22, according to police.

The victim, who is in her 60s, was sleeping, and was awakened by the sound of breaking glass. When she went to investigate, she found one man on her porch. When she tried to run out the front door, another man grabbed her and pulled her back into the house.

Benney reportedly put a gun in the victim's mouth and threatened to kill her. Police later learned from the victim that she also had been raped.

City police Detective Chris Luppino said he received an anonymous tip that Partozoti was involved in the burglary. He received separate information on Benney. Luppino then learned the two are half-brothers.

Luppino said Partozoti was cooperating with police.

"He had a much lesser role," Luppino said of Partozoti.

The victim corroborated that Partozoti took a less active role.

"He actually prevented further assault on the victim by Benney," Luppino added.

The two are accused of stealing $70 along with prescription medication, credit cards, car keys and jewelry.

Benney was picked up Saturday morning after city police received a tip that he would be at GetGo on East Wylie Avenue. The tipster received a $500 reward for that information. The reward was provided to city police by Washington Area Crime Watch.

Crime watch coordinator William Reihner said he was pleased that the organization was able to help.

Benney, who is in jail on $75,000 bond, faces a preliminary hearing in Central Court on May 7.

Partozoti is already in Washington County Jail on $35,000 bond stemming from three incidents dating back to 2006. He already faces charges of resisting arrest, escape and disorderly conduct stemming from a March 2006 traffic stop. He also is charged with possessing a firearm without a license in connection with an October incident in Canton Township.

He was arrested March 23 after being accused of assaulting a man inside a Canton Township restaurant. He was charged with simple assault and a firearms violation in that case.

Partozoti was arraigned on the city charges before District Judge J. Albert Spence and returned to jail on an additional $10,000 unsecured bond. A preliminary hearing is tentatively set for May 5 before District Judge J. Albert Spence.

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