The man accused of burglarizing fire damaged properties in Mahanoy City waived his right to a preliminary hearing last week.

Joseph Minnich, 48, remains in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail. A preliminary hearing was set for noon in front of Judge Anthony Kilker. Inmates participate via video conferencing due to the pandemic.

Minnich is charged by Mahanoy City Police with four felonies, two each of burglary and criminal trespass, and one each of theft by theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and possessing an instrument of crime. The case now goes to county court. A date has not been set.

Eight people were displaced from the fire that started at 309 W. South St. shortly before 10 a.m. The fire spread to 307/and 311. A home at 313 had smoke and water damage.