Ross Police Obtain Warrants for Niece and Boyfriend in Christmas Eve Burglary of Pastor's House

Ross Township police have obtained arrest warrants for the niece of a North Hills Pastor and the woman's boyfriend, charging them with breaking into her

Jessica Hirth, 28 and her boyfriend Jeremiah Kelly, 26, both of Ross, are charged with burglary, receiving stolen property and conspiracy, according to Ross Police Sgt. Benjamin Dripps.

Police said Hirth and Kelly stole a handgun, laptop, credit cards, personal checks and rare coins Monday night from the home of Rev. Michael Guthrie, pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in West View.

The gun belonged to Guthrie's late son, a missionary pilot, who died in a plane crash in Florida in 2010.

"These items are solely of monetary value to the people who stole them," said Dripps. "But you can't measure the sentimental value to the victim. The items belonged to a young man who died in the service to his country, it's a real shame." 

Police said Guthrie told them that he suspected that his niece and her boyfriend were responsible for the burglary because of their known drug addiction. 

Kelly's mother, Teresa Lenz, 53, of Ross, is charged with hindering apprehension and obstructing administration of the law.  She is accused of attempting to hide her son and his girlfriend when a Ross police officer knocked on her door in an attempt to recover the stolen items.

Hirth, Kelly, and Lenz were last seen in Ford City, and are the subjects of other ongoing investigations, Sgt. Dripps said. "The couple should be considered armed and dangerous."

Ross police asked anyone with information about their whereabouts to call 412-931-9070.

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