LANCASTER, Pa — A Williamsport man will face numerous felonies in Lancaster County Court regarding the theft of 9 guns during a May burglary at Trop Gun Shop in Mount Joy Township.
A preliminary hearing for Parrish M. Valentine was held Tuesday afternoon before District Judge Janice Jimenez. Following the hearing, Jimenez ordered Valentine be tried on 9 felony counts of theft, felony counts of burglary and conspiracy, and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Assistant District Attorney Erik Neiman presented evidence and testimony that Valentine, and an accomplice, smashed a glass front door, then smashed display cases while taking 9 handguns worth $4,200.
Valentine, 25, and his co-defendant Shawn R. Prim, 29, took the guns in 12 seconds then fled, according to evidence presented at the hearing.
Northwest Regional police Detective Frank Ember testified about the surveillance video from the burglary, which showed one of the thieves wearing distinct Nike Air Jordan sneakers.
A few days later during a traffic stop in Williamsport, police found the same pair of sneakers – blue and white Air Jordan 14’s – in the trunk of a vehicle occupied by Valentine. The sizes matched Valentine’s feet.
One of the stolen handguns also was found in the trunk, Ember testified.
Valentine was arrested Aug. 12. He is at Lancaster County Prison on $150,000 bail.
Prim, of Maryland, waived a preliminary hearing on the same charges as Valentine’s, in August.
Lena L. Griffith, the alleged getaway driver, also is charged. Her case is pending.
Detective Ember filed charges.
Source: Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office
