Theft charges have been filed against a night security guard at a retirement community just outside of Pittsburgh.

Our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers understand, based on reports from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that the 49-year-old guard has been formally charged with two counts of burglary, with several others pending, following a series of more than a dozen burglaries at the Providence Point retirement community.

He is reportedly believed to have stolen as much as $150,000 worth of jewelry from residents, after investigators say he used his master key to break into resident apartments. The thefts reportedly occurred over the course of several months.

This case, like many other theft cases, could mean major consequences for the accused. This is not the time to settle for an inexperienced attorney.

The Gazette reports that police had been struggling to determine the culprit of the thefts for many months. The first was reported in October and the last in December. Investigators suspected it might be an employee, but had a difficult time narrowing it down.

They reportedly cracked the case, however, when one of the residents returned to her unit to find her deadbolt was unlocked. As she made her way into the residence, she discovered a man hiding behind one of her chairs.

The man reportedly covered his face with a cushion, which he then shoved into her face as he ran away, apparently in an attempt to conceal his identity. As he made his exit from the residence, she reported, his back was turned.

This in itself does not appear to be a solid description. However, she was apparently able to tell that he was wearing dark clothing and had dark hair. That reportedly led them to the security guard.

Generally speaking, theft that exceeds $2,000 is going to be considered a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Officers reported that when they questioned the guard, he "generally" admitted to the thefts.

Of course, this shows that sometimes, the best evidence against you is what you provide to the police in the form of a confession. Consult with your criminal defense attorney BEFORE you agree to be questioned. No exceptions. It's your right.