Valley man charged with burglary after incident at Donora factory

A Monessen man who was terminated from his job at a Donora chocolate and confectionery plant is accused of sneaking back in and causing more than $12,000 in damages to bags of ingredients used by the company.

Zairik Anderson, 24, of Linden Avenue, is charged with burglary, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked stemming from the alleged incident Nov. 24 at the Barchemy factory at the Donora Industrial Park, court records state.

Donora Police were contacted Nov. 25 by employees at the Barchemy factory after Anderson was allegedly seen on surveillance footage entering the plant Nov. 24, despite being told his employment was terminated and that he was no longer permitted on the property.

A police complaint states Anderson snuck inside the factory after another employee opened a door to take a break. Once inside, Anderson put on a work shirt, a hat and a partial face covering.

Anderson then allegedly went inside the facility and cut open bags of ingredients used by chocolate and confectionery manufacturer, causing them to spill onto the floor. According to the complaint, 67 bags were destroyed, which led to a loss of $12,242.76 for the company.

The complaint adds that Anderson left in his vehicle despite his driver’s license being suspended.

Donora police filed the charges Monday at the office of Magisterial District Judge Mark Wilson in Monongahela. Anderson had not been arraigned as of press time.