2 Arraigned In Local Burglaries

Cases involving recent burglaries in Limerick Township and Upper Providence Township continue to develop.

James Murray Jr., 23, and a second defendant, North Coventry resident Joseph Anthony Love, 25, were arraigned in District Court on Monday morning.

According to the affidavits of probable cause, Murray and Love, either separately or together, were allegedly responsible for six burglaries on South Township Line Road, Linfield-Trappe Road, and Pennapacker Road.

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"The items were stolen from elderly people, they belonged to deceased husbands and wives, and had sentimental value," Limerick Detective Ernie Morris told Patch.

Murray and Love were both charged with multiple felonies, including burglary, trespass, theft conspiracy and receiving stolen property. 

Murray told police that "he and Love were committing the burglaries to support their drug addiction to heroin."

Magisterial District Judge Walter Gadzicki set bail for Murray at $50,000 cash. 

Gadzicki originally set bail for Love at $35,000, but adjusted the amount after Love requested leniency so that he could go home and take care of his three-month-old daughter.

Love also stated that he has cooperated with police and turned himself in to face charges. 

Detectives Ray Bechtel (Upper Providence Police Department) and Morris concurred that Love had been cooperative.

Gadzicki then set bail at $25,000 with 10 percent allowed to be paid.

However, Gadzicki advised Love that Chester County may issue a detainer because Love is on parole.

Murray and Love allegedly pawned an antique gun at Pottstown Cash Traders. The gun was recovered from the pawn shop after the victim identified it.

As Patch reported last week, James Murray Jr. was with Limerick Police officer Brian Tyler in which he allegedly threatened Tyler with a hammer. 

Police said in a press release at that time that after Tyler detained Murray, jewelry wrapped in plastic bags were located near the scene. According to the affidavit, upon later examination those bags contained several smaller bags into which jewelry was sorted by type, with several bags marked "Needs to get sorted yet."

In the affidavit, police say they recovered 315 items of jewelry which were later identified as belonging to several victims by the victims themselves. 

Both men have had previous run-ins with the law.

Murray was arrested in 2008 for burglaries in Limerick Township. He is also facing assault charges in this case.

Love has a criminal record from drug offenses and said during the hearing that he was released from Chester County Prison in June after serving time.

Murray and Love both stated during the arraignment that they wanted to waive a preliminary hearing.

With a preliminary hearing waived, the case will go to trial in the Court of Common Pleas. Hearings in that court will be scheduled later.