Accused burglar arraigned
A West Virginia man was arraigned Monday for allegedly burglarizing two Amwell Township businesses more than 4 1/2 years ago.
Delmas Wayne Downey, 30, whose last known address was Morgantown, is accused of twice burglarizing the Lone Pine One Stop, 1348 Amity Ridge Road, and the Triple M Mart, 360 Ten Mile Road.
Downey was declared a fugitive in August 2011.
Downey, along with John Simkins Jr., 28, of Westover, W.Va., reportedly entered the Lone Pine One Stop on Dec. 22, 2008, by breaking out the glass front door and stealing three cash registers. Downey reportedly admitted to the burglary, but Simpkins told police he did not remember because he was high on heroin. The two also reportedly went to the Triple M Mart that same day, again broke the glass door and entered the store. Stolen from the store were cigarettes and the cash register.
Amanda Simkins, 23, and Andrew G. Morris Jr., 26, both of Morgantown, were in the vehicle when the burglaries occurred.
On Dec. 29, Downey and John Simkins reportedly returned to the Lone Pine One Stop, stealing $100 and $2,169 in Marlboro and Marlboro Light cigarettes.
John Simkins pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and conspiracy in November 2011. He was sentenced to 15 to 30 months in jail. Amanda Simpkins and Morris also pleaded guilty and were sentenced to probation.
Downey was arraigned before District Judge Robert Redlinger on three counts each of burglary, theft, conspiracy, receiving stolen property. He was placed in Washington County jail on $60,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for July 9 before District Judge Ethan Ward.