Jeannette man used a GPS device to track, rob purported drug dealer, police say

State police in Uniontown are searching for a Jeannette man who they believe used a tracking device as part of a robbery in which he shot an alleged Fayette County drug dealer.

Cpl. James Monkelis this week obtained an arrest warrant for Travon L. Lewis, 19, who is wanted on charges of receiving stolen property, illegal use of electronic-telecommunication devices, unlawful use of a computer device, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and possessing instruments of crime.

On Monday, police charged the father of Lewis' teenage girlfriend, Larry L. Ramsey, 44, of Jeannette, in connection with the case.

Ramsey has been held in Westmoreland County Prison since Nov. 17 on a probation violation. He is now charged with possessing instruments of crime, illegal possession of a .22-caliber handgun, possession of prohibited offensive weapons, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.

Troopers developed the case against Lewis and Ramsey following an Aug. 29 raid at Ramsey's former residence on South 14th Street, where Lewis was living, according to court documents filed before Jeannette District Judge Joseph DeMarchis.

Police seized “black magnetic GPS tracker boxes” and multiple firearms at the home that they connected to the Aug. 1 shooting, according to court documents.

Monkelis reported in an affidavit that when the warrant was served, three juveniles, including Lewis' girlfriend, were inside the home with the stolen, loaded firearm and GPS devices used to commit crimes.

Police said Ramsey and Lewis, who has ties to the Uniontown area, later moved to a home in Jeannette.

Monkelis alleged in court documents that Lewis placed a GPS tracking device on the victim's pickup to follow him so he could rob him.

Monkelis did not identify the alleged victim in court documents but said the man was shot on the porch of a Fairchance home early on the morning of March 1. He survived.

Monkelis could not be reached for comment.

Lewis is described in court documents as a black man who is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs 210 pounds.

Anyone with information on Lewis' location is asked to call state police at 724-439-7111 or call 911.

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