Lancaster County Man Charged in Residential Burglary, Theft, and Related Offenses
COLUMBIA, Pa. — A Lancaster County man has been charged in connection with a February burglary in West Hempfield Township in which thousands of dollars in jewelry were stolen from the home of an elderly relative, according to a criminal complaint filed by township police.
The complaint states that James Richard Zerphy, 50, is accused of forcibly entering a residence on the 200 block of Edgemont Road on February 24, 2026, sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Police reported that the rear bathroom window had been damaged, with the window screen removed, the storm window broken, and the window lock forced open. Damage to the window was estimated at $350.
According to investigators, the homeowner returned to find the upstairs “ransacked,” with dresser drawers pulled out and personal belongings strewn across multiple rooms. Among the items reported stolen were gold necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry belonging to the victim and her late mother. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at approximately $5,000.
Police noted in the affidavit that the victim had told officers she had spoken with Zerphy—a relative—about a week before the burglary, when he allegedly asked her for money and a place to stay. She reported declining and cited awareness of his previous criminal history.
On February 27, investigators learned that several pieces of the stolen jewelry had been pawned the morning after the burglary. Records indicated that Zerphy sold gold necklaces and earrings at Capital City Buy, Sell & Pawn in Harrisburg on February 25, receiving $600 for the items. Photographs provided by the shop were shown to the victim, who confirmed the jewelry as hers.
Police also received a tip from an individual who reported that Zerphy had attempted to sell them coins and that the caller believed the items were likely stolen. The individual declined the purchase and alerted authorities.
Assistant District Attorney Haverstick reviewed the case and advised police to file charges, which were submitted on March 5, 2026. Zerphy is charged with:
- Burglary – Overnight accommodation, no person present
- Criminal trespass – Break into structure
- Theft by unlawful taking – Movable property
- Receiving stolen property
- Criminal mischief – Damage to property
A warrant for Zerphy’s arrest was requested upon filing of the complaint.
At the time of the report, police noted no further incidents — though neighbors say the now‑repaired bathroom window has become the most closely supervised piece of property on the entire block, quietly determined not to be part of any sequels.
