Jun 19, 2014 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – A Carmichaels man accused of robbing Fox’s Pizza Den in Carmichaels Borough at knifepoint May 16 pleaded guilty Thursday in Greene County Court.

Stephen Andrew Penich, 29, of 401A Old Town Road, was charged with robbery with threat of immediate serious injury, theft by unlawful taking and simple assault. Although sentencing was deferred, the prosecution recommended Penich receive 5 years in the State Intermediate Punishment Program.

When asked to tell the court what he had done, Penich said he robbed the pizza shop but he could not remember the details. He cried on the stand and admitted to having a drug problem.

According to police, Penich disguised his face before entering the pizza shop and placed a note on the counter demanding money. Penich came around the side of the counter brandishing the knife and demanded the clerk give him the money, which he did. Before exiting the store, Penich told the clerk he was from Brownsville.

Police found Penich a short time later walking in the area of North Market Street. Penich told them he just showered and changed clothes at a friend’s apartment and led officers there. Penich showed them bags containing a pair of blue running pants, which fit the description of what the clerk said Penich was wearing when he robbed the pizza shop.

Penich is being held in Greene County jail until his formal sentencing.