Moonshine suspects waive hearing
BURGETTSTOWN – Two men accused of operating a still in a shed in a Midway neighborhood waived their cases to court Thursday.
McDonald police charged Matthew Zirwas III, 33, of Carnegie, and Matthew B. Kirks, 29, of 108 James Way, Midway, after getting a complaint April 11 from neighbors. One neighbor believed they were making moonshine after seeing a man carrying Mason jars from the shed and placing them in a vehicle.
After advising Kirks of his rights, police said they asked him what he was making, and the Midway man allegedly admitted he was making moonshine. Police say Zirwas also confessed.
Charges of reckless endangerment and possession of marijuana were dismissed by the prosecution. Charges of failure to have a license to make liquor, illegal possession of liquor and disorderly conduct were waived to court before District Judge Gary Havelka.
The two men are free on their own recognizance.