Two Face Charges for Falsifying Documents and Endangering Lives on Gas Pipeline Project

HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Friday the filing of criminal charges against Joseph Berkich, 45, of Washington County, and Welton Darl Shipe, 61, of West Virginia, for falsifying paperwork and risking catastrophe while working on a natural gas pipeline project for EnTech Energy.

The two men are related by marriage and allegedly conspired together to deceive and cover up their actions, compromising the project’s integrity.

Berkich is charged with Forgery, Theft by Deception, Receiving Stolen Property, Tampering with Public Records, Tampering with Records or Identification, Risking a Catastrophe, and Criminal Conspiracy. Shipe faces charges of Tampering with Public Records, Tampering with Records or Identification, Risking a Catastrophe, Criminal Conspiracy, and Unsworn Falsification to Authorities.