Brothers Charged in $500K Philadelphia Sewer Grate Theft

Police say two brothers stole nearly $500,000 worth of sewer grates from the Philadelphia, Pa., suburbs and sold them for scrap at pennies on the dollar.

Brian and John Vetrulli Jr. were jailed Saturday in Montgomery County on charges of theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

The 36-year-old Brian Vetrulli and 38-year-old John Vetrulli Jr. were unable to post $10,000 cash bail as of Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

Police say the Gilbertsville men stole 13 sewer grates from area parking lots since the beginning of December and had receipts showing they’d sold more than 1,000 grates to scrap-metal dealers.

Each grate weighs about 100 pounds and costs about $475. Police say the Vetrullis sold them for $9 each.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 30.