Laverty, 23, of 1120 Weitz Ave., Farrell, stipulated at a preliminary hearing Friday that if witnesses were called and testimony given, prosecutors could show that the crimes occurred and he might have been involved.

Hermitage police filed 15 counts of theft, seven counts of criminal mischief, four counts of receiving stolen property, three counts of forgery and one count each of identity theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing instruments of crime, access device fraud and criminal trespass against him.

The break-ins occurred between Nov. 8 and 14. Laverty entered unlocked cars, broke windows or ripped the canvas tops to get into the vehicles, and stole money, compact discs, a digital camera, a purse and many other items, police said. He also stole a checkbook and forged signatures on stolen checks, which he cashed, police said