Authorities have arrested Bobby Lucci, 27, and two associates in a Pittsburgh-area suburb for allegedly stealing $120,000 worth of metal from a manufacturing plant. Investigators believe Lucci is the ringleader of a larger crime operation spanning multiple states, including Texas, New York, Florida, and California.
Metal Heist and Arrest
On January 13, Penn Township Police responded to an alarm triggered at Hamill Manufacturing. Lucci, along with Marcello Miguel and Anthony Miguel, attempted to divert police by calling in a fake 911 emergency, but officers arrived in time to catch them in a truck loaded with stolen metal.
“They ID’d themselves as ‘Romanian gypsies’ and refused to cooperate,” said Penn Township Police Chief John Otto.
Authorities used fingerprint and iris recognition technology to identify the suspects, uncovering criminal histories across multiple states.
Tied to Houston Home Burglary Scam
Investigators believe Lucci is linked to a series of home burglaries in Houston, where criminals posed as tree trimmers to gain access to homes and steal valuables.
“Once I saw the mugshot, I knew that was the guy,” said Keli Rabon, a Houston resident whose home was targeted last December.
Lucci has also been connected to similar crimes in Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas.
Repeat Offender Denied Bond
Lucci was previously arrested for a similar crime in California in 2021 but disappeared after posting bond. This time, he has been denied bond and remains in custody in Pennsylvania, awaiting his next court appearance.
Authorities continue to search for Lucci’s alleged accomplice, known as “the man with the bucket hat.”
“The second guy won’t stop until he’s stopped,” Rabon said. “Finding justice will definitely help.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and NCIS, are now working together to investigate Lucci’s broader criminal network.
