2 Winner Steel workers charged

SHARON, Pa. — Police have charged two employees of Winner Steel with the theft of numerous metals from the former Westinghouse office building on Sharpsville Avenue.

John R. Plake, 34, of New Springfield, Ohio, and Michael Ashby, 42, of Sharon are each charged with felony theft, criminal conspiracy and criminal mischief. The men were arrested and arraigned Tuesday morning.

Sharon Police Chief Mike Menster said more arrests are expected.

Police are still piecing together the events that occurred throughout July where metals, including copper, aluminum and bronze, were taken over a long period of time from the multistory office building that had been vacant.

Menster said both men worked in the Winner Steel mill located next to the vacant office building.

The police chief said they don’t yet have a value on what was taken but the felony theft charge covers anything valued at more than $2,000.

“This is going to be well over that amount,” Menster said.

The theft was reported to police several weeks ago but police would not reveal any information about it while investigating. Menster said he does not know if anyone will be able to collect a $1,000 reward for information about the theft. The reward was offered by a local industrial development group.