Fayette man accused of aiding in armed robbery at his house
A Fayette County man is in custody after being accused of helping to rob a man of more than $4,000 at his home on Friday night.
Ryan Miciotto, 34, of North Union Township, was arraigned Monday on charges of robbery with threat of immediate serious bodily injury, theft by unlawful taking and simple assault.
The alleged victim, Keith Morris, 39, told state police troopers his girlfriend had texted him to meet her at the house for an encounter.
When he arrived, a group of three men and two women entered the room and prevented him from leaving until he transferred $4,000 to his girlfriend via Paypal, according to the criminal complaint.
Morris told police Miciotto had been among the men at the home, who court documents stated were armed with weapons including a revolver and a wrench.
Police said Miciotto had also materially benefitted from the funds stolen, spending that night with Morris’ girlfriend at the Comfort Suites, the complaint said.
Two of Morris’ guns were also taken from his car while he was restrained, he told police.
One of the guns — along with the one Morris said had been pointed at him at the home — were recovered in a traffic stop Saturday afternoon. One of the people in the vehicle, Jonathan Godines, 29, of Denbo, was arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The occupants of the vehicle also told police in interviews that Miciotto had been at the home during the robbery attempt, charging documents stated.
Judge Nathan Henning denied bail for Miciotto, citing continued criminal activity and saying he was a risk to himself and others.
Miciotto’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 24.