Scottdale robbery suspect doesn't mind judge's decision to increase bail to $250K

A district judge sternly told a Scottdale-area man already in Westmoreland County Prison on robbery charges that he had no choice but to increase his bond since he was accused of committing two more pre-Christmas holdups.

Clyde C. Mensch, 42, and two alleged accomplices were arraigned Wednesday before East Huntingdon District Judge Charles Moore on multiple charges for allegedly robbing a Dollar General and a Sunoco convenience store, both in Scottdale, in December.

“Clyde, I know your bond is already $150,000, but I’m raising it to $250,000 because I feel you’re a danger to the community and yourself, if you get out,” Moore told the handcuffed and shackled Mensch.

“No judge … I completely understand it. If I’m convicted on these, I’m going away for a long, long time,” a contrite Mensch replied.

Mensch, who was released from state prison in 2016 after serving a five-year term for burglary, also appeared Monday before Moore to be arraigned for allegedly being the gunman in the Dec. 22 holdup of the Dollar General store at Crossroads Plaza in East Huntingdon. Moore set his bail at $100,000.

Mensch also is accused of holding up the Honey Bear Sunoco station in Connellsville on Dec. 22. District Judge Ron Haggerty Jr. of Connellsville set bail in that case at $50,000.

Mensch’s alleged accomplice in the robberies, William Nathan Lint, 35, of Connellsville is charged with robbery, theft, terroristic threats, receiving stolen property and simple assault for participating in both Scottdale robberies. Mensch’s girlfriend, Katrina A. Rogers, 46, of Scottdale is facing identical charges for allegedly participating in the Dollar General holdup.

Lint told Moore he disagreed with assertions by Scottdale police that he “participated” in both Scottdale robberies.

“I only admitted being in the car,” Lint said.

Moore ordered Lint and Rogers to the county jail on $75,000 and $25,000 bail, respectively. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Jan. 16.

Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ppeirce_trib.