Metro

An extensive investigation into a string of burglaries has resulted in charges against four Blair County men, who investigators said are involved in a corrupt organization targeting skill game machines and auction houses.

Facing charges in the case are Altoona residents Steven Eugene Aman, 53; Tyler Ray Crocitto, 31; and Asher Brooke Trainer, 31; and Hollidaysburg resident Michael Robert Lamborn, 33.

The investigation began Sept. 6, 2025, when Allegheny Township police responded to a Duncansville laundromat, 1295 Old Route 22, for a reported burglary in progress.

The suspect fled before police arrived, but the business owner reported that he had received a notification through the business security system and was able to see the suspect entering through the front door, opened after the suspect broke a window and unlocked the door.

The video showed the suspect using a saw to cut into a change machine and a series of Skills machines, cutting the side panels and taking the money.

State police forensic services were called to process the scene and a latent print was found where the suspect placed his ungloved hand on top of a Skills machine, the affidavit states.

Police reported that $2,195 in cash was taken. Damage to the Skills machines was set at $7,800, while damage to the redemption terminal was set at $10,000.

Through follow-up with other law enforcement agencies, it was found that four other locations were burglarized using the same techniques. The burglaries stretched from Altoona to Wilmore, Portage and Gallitzin.

Police said video surveillance showed the suspect in the other burglaries matched the Duncansville case.

Using cellular network data, it was discovered that a cellphone used in a Nov. 12, 2024, burglary was also nearby during the 2025 incidents.

That cellphone was connected to Crocitto, who was a suspect in the 2024 case. Using open-source intelligence searches, Crocitto was linked to Trainer, who was one of the arrestees in the November 2024 burglary investigation.

Eventually, police were informed of a burglary in Moon Township that involved an online auction company’s warehouse. During that incident, $3,000 to $4,000 worth of merchandise was reported stolen, the report states.

Video surveillance shows the suspect in this case leaving on foot, walking toward the road from the brush and being picked up by a person driving a vehicle with Pennsylvania registration plate. A trace on the vehicle shows it went from Altoona to Moon Township before the burglary and returned to Altoona immediately after.

The vehicle was connected to Lamborn, police reported, noting Lamborn has a criminal history and recent charges of burglary.

While investigating the Moon Township incident, police learned of a similar case in Peters Township.

Four additional burglaries, all associated with pending estate auctions, were discovered during the follow-up investigations — one in Westmoreland County and three in Cambria County, the affidavit states.

On Dec. 4, 2025, police executed a search warrant on Aman’s residence, on the 500 block of 18th Street, Altoona, as part of a West Virginia case. A large amount of stolen merchandise was found in the home.

Also on Dec. 4, 2025, police executed a search warrant on Lamborn’s residence, where stolen property and tools used to commit crimes were located, police reported.

During an interview on Dec. 4, Lamborn allegedly admitted to providing rides to Trainer, including trips to the Pittsburgh area and Maryland.

Police interviewed Crocitto on Dec. 22 and he, too, allegedly admitted to providing transportation to Trainer.

Cellular records were used to link Lamborn’s and Trainer’s presence at the burglary locations, the report states.

Police said the total amount of stolen property is listed at $28,272, while the total amount of property damage is listed at $23,822.85.

Online court documents state that Aman was arrested in December, with bail set at $150,000. He remains behind bars on felony charges of corrupt organizations, conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communications facility and knowledge that property is proceeds of an illegal act, along with misdemeanor charges of tampering with evidence and obstructing justice. His charges were bound over for court and he is scheduled for a preliminary call of the list on March 30 in Courtroom 1.

Lamborn was arraigned Feb. 17 and remanded to the Blair County Prison unable to post $200,000 bail. He faces felony charges of corrupt organizations, dealing in unlawful proceeds, conspiracy – corrupt organizations, conspiracy – burglary, conspiracy – theft, conspiracy – receiving stolen property and conspiracy – criminal use of a communication device. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for today.

Crocitto was arraigned Friday and remanded to prison unable to post $200,000 bail. He faces the same charges as Lamborn. His preliminary hearing is also set for today.

Trainer’s case is listed as inactive. He faces 16 felony charges related to corrupt organizations, conspiracy and damaging property.