Pennsylvania man accused of causing more than $12K in damage in downtown State College
Jan. 29, 2026 update: Jacob Fichter pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief. Six charges were dropped. He was sentenced by Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine to four years of probation and was ordered to pay nearly $10,000 in restitution.
A man was accused Thursday of causing more than $12,000 in damage with a slingshot and a bolt cutter in downtown State College.
Jacob G. Fichter, 22, was charged for the damage caused to an exit gate at the Fraser Street Parking Garage, as well as Jamaica Junction, Armenara Plaza, Sharkies Bar and Thrifty Bottle Shop, VHS Skate Shop, Doggies Pub and Lionheart Fitness & Tanning.
He could be seen on video using a bolt cutter to damage the exit gate, State College police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. He owed $18 for parking, police wrote.
Later that day, borough police received calls from six downtown businesses that all said their windows were damaged. Video and statements from witnesses showed Fichter was suspected of causing the damage with a slingshot, police wrote.
Fichter, of Chester County, was charged with seven felony counts of criminal mischief, as well as a summary count of theft.
No defense lawyer was listed. The Centre County Public Defender Office said it was not appointed to represent Fichter as of Friday afternoon. A man who answered the phone at a number listed for Fichter hung up.
Fichter was released Thursday after District Judge Don Hahn set bail at $105,000 unsecured. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 4:03 PM.