Early in the morning on October 11th of this year, Dominic DiPietro recovered a stolen bike. He recognized a bicycle locked to a railing in south Philly as a custom built bicycle that had been given to him in lieu of back-pay when Elite Bicycles, a bicycle company he used to work for, folded. Dom sold the bicycle in question to a friend before it was stolen about two weeks later. After noticing the bike he decided to wait for the owner rather than taking the bike back himself. Once the bike’s “owner” arrived, Dom spoke with him, telling the man who claimed to own the bike that it was stolen property. The man denied this and said that he needed to call a friend. Dom responded by saying that it was fine for him to call a friend, but that he would call the police. At this point, the man said “whatever, just take it”, unlocked the bike, and walked away. Later that morning, the bike’s rightful owner picked up his property from Dom and went on his way.

That evening, three men came to Dom’s apartment door, insisting that he give them the bike back. Dom refused and told them that the bike had already been returned to its original owner. The men who allegedly purchased the stolen bike then called the police. Not wanting to create more of a problem, Dom and many of his friends attempted to reach the man who had taken his returned bike back so that he might produce it for the police. Unfortunately, no one could reach him. A police officer asked Dom if he had indeed taken the bike and when Dom said that he had, they arrested him immediately, refusing to listen to his side of the story. After spending the night in jail Dom was charged with Robbery, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. At the preliminary hearing, all of these charges were held INCLUDING Robbery, which is a felony.

While Dom already owes money to the lawyer he hired for the preliminary hearing, he must still find and hire yet another lawyer to represent him in the arraignment and the trial. As preposterous as this entire situation seems, the consequences that faces are very real and very serious. Dom has worked as both a courier and bicycle mechanic. He has been a part of the Philadelphia cycling community for a long time and now he needs your help. Any donations to help Dom hire a lawyer for the upcoming hearings is hugely needed and would be greatly appreciated. Please help spread the word by sharing this.

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