Jefferson man guilty of burglaries
WAYNESBURG – A former Carmichaels man suspected of five daytime burglaries in Cumberland Township last summer pleaded guilty to three burglaries this month in Greene County Court.
Cody Andrew Gilblom, 22, of 352 Shortcut Road, Jefferson, said he was involved in a July 6 burglary at 102 Diamond St., a July 8 burglary at 134 Cumberland Ave. and a July 21 burglary at 585 Ceylon Road.
Gilblom was apprehended July 28 on a fugitive warrant in McDonald and placed in Greene County jail on $30,000 straight cash bond for breaking into the residence of Dale and Suzanne Switalski of 585 Ceylon Road July 21.
He was later arraigned before Greene County Magisterial District Judge Lee Watson on charges related to the July 6 burglary at the residence of Julia Lecorchick, 102 Diamond St. and the July 8 burglary at the residence of Carol Johnston, 134 Cumberland Ave.
Police said Lecorchick reported coming home to find a broken window, two back doors wide open and the contents of her jewelry box spilled on her bed. A bloody towel was found at the foot of the bed. Lecorchick told police it was not her blood, according to a criminal complaint.
Cumberland Township Detective Tony Gismondi questioned Gilblom. According to the complaint, Gilblom looked at photographs from the scene of the burglary and gave Gismondi details of how he broke in the residence and cut his arm in the process. Gilblom said he used a towel from the kitchen to stop the bleeding. Gilblom told Gismondi he stole a couple of necklaces and then fled upon hearing a car door and someone entering the residence. He said he threw the necklaces away because they did not have markings on them indicating they were real gold, Gismondi said.
On July 8, Cumberland police responded to the Johnston residence and found the home in disarray with cupboards, cabinets, dresser drawers and closet doors opened. A footprint on the back door indicated someone kicked it to gain entry, according to the criminal complaint.
Johnston provided police with a list of items stolen, including jewelry, clothing, electronics and prescription medication.
Gismondi said he contacted the EZ Cash, LLC pawn shop in Washington and learned Gilblom pawned a 14K gold ring and 10K bracelet there July 8.
While questioning Gilblom about this additional burglary, he confessed to Gismondi and provided a written statement.
Police sought Gilblom’s arrest in the July 21 burglary after locating two rings and a bracelet belonging to Suzanne Switalski at the Waynesburg Gold and Coin Exchange. An employee provided police with a sales receipt, and a copy of Gilblom’s photo identification used in the transaction. Dale Switalski positively identified the items as those belonging to his wife.
Other items reported stolen by the Switalskis included $150 in change, a lock box containing silver coin proof sets, a Smith and Wesson 9 mm Model 639 with holster and several pieces of jewelry.
According to court records, Gilblom pleaded guilty to multiple previous burglaries, dating to 2010, from both Washington and Greene counties.
He will be evaluated for the State Intermediate Punishment Program prior to sentencing. The SIP program is designed for offenders convicted of drug-related offenses.