Man pleads no contest to burglary in...

LEWISBURG — A Westmoreland County man accused of being involved in the theft of copper piping and wiring from the former Laurelton Center pleaded no contest to a burglary charge in Union County Court.On Friday, Christopher Duane Hall, 42, of Garfield Street, New Kensington, pleaded no contest to a felony count of burglary in front of Union County Judge Michael Piecuch. In pleading no contest, Hall did not admit guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence that a jury might find him guilty.A felony burglary charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.Hall, Michael Shawn Klingensmith, 61, of Sarver, and Gerald Daniel Ogershok, 38, of Russellton, are accused of breaking into the former Laurelton Center at 19200 Old Turnpike Road, Hartley Township, and causing $12,000 in damage. They also allegedly took $7,150 worth of copper piping and wiring on Feb. 3, 2025.The next night, the three men returned to the 266-acre vacant complex along Route 45 in western Union County but were caught by state police, police said.Klingensmith previously pleaded no contest to a felony count of burglary related to the first incident and pleaded guilty to a felony count of burglary related to the second incident. Ogershok previously pleaded guilty to two felony counts of burglary and one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance.In September, Klingensmith was sentenced to four to 48 months in state prison. Ogershok was sentenced to six to 47 months. All other charges related to the incidents were dismissed or withdrawn.A pre-sentence investigation for Hall was ordered. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.