Prints in Snow Lead to Arrest of Newry Man on Burglary Charge

Footprints in the snow led to the arrest of a Newry man on multiple burglary related charges.

John T. Molliver, 39, is facing felony counts of burglary and criminal trespass along with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking and possession of instruments of crime after police said he broke into a Hollidaysburg home on Feb. 18.

According to charges filed by Hollidaysburg State Police, a trooper was on patrol when he observed a silver Town and Country minivan parked at the Hollidaysburg residence.

Police noted that the residence had previously been burglarized and that there had been reports of individuals "rummaging" through the property.

When police pulled into the driveway to investigate, an officer noticed a boot-print trail in the snow leading from the minivan into the basement of the residence.

An officer looked in the open door and allegedly spotted Molliver rummaging through drawers.

Molliver was taken into custody and when searched, police allegedly found a machete, a flashlight and numerous other items which they said came from inside the residence.

Police also allegedly found two large propane tanks inside Molliver's vehicle.

Molliver was arraigned by Altoona Magisterial District Judge Matthew Dunio and committed to the Blair County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for this week in front of Hollidaysburg Magisterial Judge Paula Aigner.