A Juniata County man already charged in connection with the robberies of the Mifflintown Weis Market on Nov. 24 and the First National Bank of Mifflintown, East Waterford Branch on Oct. 19, faces still more charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the robbery of a Franklin County Uni-Mart store Nov. 12.
Dustin J. Swartz, 20, of Port Royal is now charged with one count each of robbery and theft, according to a criminal complaint filed by Pennsylvania State Police Chambersburg. Swartz was arraigned on those charges before District Justice Alloway of Franklin County on Wednesday.
According to the complaint, the robbery occurred at about 8:30 p.m. at a Uni-Mart on 17087 Path Valley Rd. in Spring Run, Fannett Township. The robber entered the store with a T-shirt over his head and pointed a gun at the cashier, demanding money, the complaint states.
The robber then took $212 from the cash register and $20 from a customer who was in the store at the time, according to the complaint. The cashier described the robber as a young white male with blonde hair and blue eyes, while the customer said the gun looked like it was made from plastic, the complaint states.
The complaint also states Pennsylvania State Police Lewistown have a detailed, taped confession from Swartz admitting to the robbery, saying he wrapped a T-shirt around his head and used a toy gun.
“We’ve expected all of these, and potentially one more set of charges concerning Mr. Swartz,” defense attorney Justin McShane of Harrisburg said, during a telephone interview Wednesday. ” We’ve been prepared for it. We knew it was coming.
“We’re waiting to see what all of the evidence is in each case to decide what Mr. Swartz will do and evaluate each case on it’s own merits.”
McShane indicated he continues to see increased support for Swartz in the community.
“In my experience, usually as more charges are filed against a defendant, support for that person diminishes. I’m seeing the exact opposite in this case. The more attention this case receives, the more support I’m seeing from the community for Dustin.” McShane said.
A preliminary hearing date for Swartz in Franklin County is not confirmed. Swartz remains in the Juniata County Prison in lieu of $600,000 combined bail from the Weis Market and bank robbery charges.
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