A Florida man has been sentenced to 2½ to 20 years in state prison for his central role in a series of distraction burglaries that preyed on elderly homeowners across western Pennsylvania.

Steve Nichols, 57, pleaded guilty to seven burglaries committed across Butler, Erie, Indiana, Lackawanna, and Westmoreland counties, and was sentenced this week in Butler County Court.

Authorities say Nichols was the mastermind behind the burglary ring, using deceptive tactics to gain the trust of elderly residents before robbing them.

Nichols and his son, Archie Marino, posed as utility workers to gain access to homes. While one man distracted the homeowner, the other searched the house for cash, jewelry, collectible coins, and other valuables.

Many of the victims were in their 80s and were alone at the time of the thefts.

“The defendant was the engineer of this criminal conduct, intentionally targeting older Pennsylvanians because he felt they were more vulnerable to be duped,” said Attorney General Dave Sunday. “My office is committed to holding fully accountable those who threaten the sanctity of our homes.”

A Statewide Investigating Grand Jury reviewed the case, which was supported by cellphone and bank records, rental car documentation, and doorbell camera footage. The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Summer Carroll of the Organized Crime Section.

Investigators from the Millcreek Township, Mount Pleasant, and Scranton police departments, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, helped uncover the scheme. Nichols’ son, Marino, also faces charges for his role in the crimes.