Patrick Buchnowski
pbuchnowski@tribdem.com
SOMERSET —
A Meyersdale juvenile accused in a rash of car thefts will continue to be held in a Centre County detention center, authorities said.
A detention hearing for Derek Long, 17, was held Monday at the Somerset County courthouse.
The Somerset County Juvenile Probation Department requested that Long continue to be held at the Central Counties Youth Detention Center rather than being released to the custody of his parents.
“It’s in the juvenile’s best interest to be detained,” said Juvenile Master Michael Kuhn.
Long, who is represented by Somerset attorney William Seger, is charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and two counts of criminal mischief.
Somerset County Assistant District Attorney James Jacobs asked state Trooper Scott Myers how the youth was caught.
Long was found along a biking trail just south of Johnny Popper Road in Summit Township on Thursday, Myers said. The youth was in possession of keys from a vehicle he allegedly stole in Meyersdale.
The vehicle was located nearby, Myers said.
Long and Jamie Blough, 17, of Adams Township, ran away from the Cambria County Emergency Shelter for Youth near Ebensburg shortly before 11:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
Authorities said the teens then embarked on a crime spree, stealing more than 11 vehicles in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.
Blough was found at a home in Johnstown on Wednesday and is being held at Cambria County Juvenile Detention Center.
An adjudication hearing for Blough is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Long’s next hearing will be scheduled within 10 days.
