Konias faces federal, state charges
Former armored car guard Kenneth Konias Jr. appeared in two courts Thursday, starting a double-barrelled prosecution on state and federal charges that include homicide, robbery and firearms violations in the theft of more than $2 million and the shooting death of his partner.
If Mr. Konias is convicted on the federal charges of robbery and use of a firearm in a crime of violence, he would face anywhere from a minimum 10-year sentence to the death penalty, Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Haller said at the court appearance.
If convicted of the state charges of homicide, robbery and theft, Mr. Konias faces a minimum of life imprisonment and could face the death penalty. County officials have not said which penalty they will pursue if Mr. Konias is convicted.
The 22-year-old Dravosburg man is accused of killing fellow Garda Cash Logistics truck operator Michael Haines and stealing $2.3 million from an armored car on Feb. 28, and was on the run for nearly two months.
Ann and Larry Haines, the parents of the victim, issued a statement to “thank the collaborative law enforcement efforts that have assisted in the investigative process to date. We have great respect for and faith in the judicial system that will take it from here. The media and Pittsburgh community have our deepest gratitude for respecting our privacy while we grieve the loss of our son, Michael. Our focus is on him and our family at this time.”
Mr. Konias looked lean and healthy in prison orange and black-rimmed spectacles as he made both of his court appearances.
He sat quietly Thursday evening as Magisterial District Judge Robert Dzvonick told him via video that Pittsburgh police Detective J.R. Smith had charged him at the state level with homicide, theft by unlawful taking and robbery.
When the judge asked his name, he said “Kenneth Konias.” Asked if he had any questions, Mr. Konias said simply, “No.”
He stared quietly at the video screen as Judge Dzvonick told him that his “capital case” did not permit him to be released on bond and that he would need to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. next Friday.
Mr. Konias’ federal court appearance, held hours earlier, gathered a larger crowd and had special meaning for those who investigated the case.
“I did want to get a feel for what he looked like in person,” said Pittsburgh police Detective Peg Sherwood, who attended the earlier appearance. “He looks a lot better than he did when he was taken into custody.”
Mr. Konias said very little before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan, who read him his rights and ordered him to be brought back before her on Monday for a detention hearing and preliminary hearing. Mr. Konias answered “yes” when asked if his financial affidavit was accurate and if he wanted a public defender to represent him.
He was represented by assistant federal public defender Christopher Brown, who offered no comment.
U.S. Attorney David Hickton attended but declined comment.
Detective Sherwood said the city has recovered more than $1 million in stolen funds, plans to get more and suspects it knows the location of some of the loot. She would not say where more cash may be hidden.
Mr. Konias was captured in Pompano Beach, Fla., after police got a tip that led them to a house frequented by prostitutes where drug use was rampant.
Detective Sherwood said there is a “very strong possibility” that someone will collect a reward for tipping police to his location, but she would not identify the likely recipient.
Rich Lord: rlord@post-gazette. com or 412-263-1542. Liz Navratil: lnavratil@post-gazette.com or 412263-1438.