Man Stole $638K In SEPTA Parts From Depots Around the Region: DA

A Bucks County man allegedly stole $638,000 in parts from various SEPTA properties in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware counties, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Kyle Reece Allen, 28, of Langhorne, has been charged with criminal trespass, dealing in proceeds of illegal activities, theft by unlawful taking, and related counts, the DA said.

An investigation began on May 11 when Plymouth Township police responded to a burglary at the SEPTA Frontier Division Facility on Alan Wood Road at 5:09 a.m., officials said.

Allen was identified by the facility manager as a former SEPTA employee, according to the DA.

Plymouth and SEPTA police began a joint investigation which revealed Allen had been stealing from SEPTA facilities since January of 2015, the DA said. In addition to the Plymouth location, Allen allegedly stole from the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, and Philadelphia's Midvale Depot, Comly Depot, and Callowhill Depot.

Items stolen included more than 500 batteries, about 260 catalytic converters, 100 spools of wire, parts specific to the SEPTA El Train, and other electrical components, officials said.

Authorities noted that Allen then sold the parts for scrap at a "fraction of their value."

“The defendant’s actions unfortunately impact all of us who ride SEPTA. This a huge loss for SEPTA and for what—the defendant only received pennies on the dollar from the scrapyard. He is now incarcerated and faces substantial jail time for his actions,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele.

A preliminary hearing has been set for September 8.

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.