Two Washington County men were held for trial yesterday on charges they broke into a South Strabane gun store and stole three pistols.

Michael Andrew Mittell, 20, and Steven William Parks, 19, both of Peters, appeared before District Justice Jay Weller yesterday. They are charged with burglarizing the Ace Sporting Goods on Route 19 on Nov. 16.

Mr. Parks waived charges, including burglary, conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms, to trial after Judge Weller dismissed charges of receiving stolen property, loitering and another firearm charge.

Although Mr. Mittell reportedly signed a confession for police and confessed to the crime in front of Judge Weller during his arraignment last week, he challenged the charges in court yesterday, asking for a continuance and lowered bail.

Mr. Mittell's lawyer, Kristin Fiori, also asked Judge Weller to recuse himself from the case, because he could be called as a witness.

Judge Weller said he warned Mr. Mittell of his rights and told him not to discuss the crime in front of him or police last week when he was being arraigned, but Judge Weller said Mr. Mittell confessed and began openly discussing the crime anyway.

Judge Weller denied all of the motions, binding Mr. Mittell over on charges of burglary, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Mr. Mittell remains in the Washington County Jail on $25,000 bond.

Mr. Mittell was serving five years on probation for drug paraphernalia charges.

Mr. Parks was released after posting $25,000 bail.

Police believe Mr. Parks entered the building through a roof vent and surveillance video showed Mr. Parks leaving the building through a back door.