PARIS — An Albany Township man is accused of slashing his neighbor with a knife after breaking into his home and stealing an autographed photo.

Charles J. Lewis, 62, of Burke Meadow Road, is charged with burglary, robbery and theft in connection with a Sept. 29 incident. He was taken to the Oxford County Jail and made an initial court appearance Wednesday, at which bail was set at $5,000 cash or $50,000 surety.

 He is scheduled to appear in court again Jan. 1, 2015.

The first two counts are Class B felonies and carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Lewis is accused breaking into the home of 80-year-old Donald Plummer. During the robbery, Plummer returned home and confronted Lewis.

According to an affidavit submitted by Oxford County Sheriff’s Deputy Danielle Welch, Plummer told police Lewis pushed him aside and cut him with a long knife before crashing through a screen door and escaping.

Taken from the home was a framed, autographed photo of Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Stan Musial, paperwork and a 20-inch collector’s knife.

Plummer told Welch he is familiar with Lewis and recognized him immediately.

Lewis offered a different account, telling Welch that Plummer showed up on his property and began accusing him of theft. Lewis said Plummer threatened him with a knife and took a swing at him. 

Police did not find the stolen items in Lewis’ home, Welch said.

ccrosby@sunjournal.com

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