Washington County Couple Charged In Bar Burglaries

A Washington County couple has been charged by Pennsylvania State Police with burglaries of 12 bars in Washington, Fayette and Westmoreland counties. David Rice, 33 of Charleroi and Stephanie Hankle 30 of Monongahela face multiple charges that include burglary, criminal trespass, theft, criminal mischief and others. The burglaries occurred in 2023, the investigation into the burglaries took a year to investigate. Police allege that the pair would watch the establishments to determine their closing procedures. Once determined, Rice would either forcibly enter or walk through open doors to take what he wanted. Once presented with police evidence the pair confessed to their crimes. Things taken were cash, money bags, alcohol and an entire ATM machine. The total of items stolen add up to more than $17,000. Damages to the establishments is $8000. Washington County establishments affected were the Allenport Marina and the Watering Hole in Coal Center. The pair face a preliminary hearing on January 30.