The state Attorney General's Office has arrested and charged two Florida men with targeting senior citizens in at least seven distraction-style burglaries in Butler and several other counties.

Steven Nichols, 53, and his son, Archie Marino, 34, both of Fort Lauderdale, are being charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, burglary and related charges, according to Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

“These defendants are charged with conduct that includes seeking out seniors, distracting them, invading their home, and in some cases stealing thousands of dollars of cash and personal belongings,” Shapiro said. “Let this send a loud and clear message — if you target older Pennsylvanians, we're going to hold you to account.”

Nichols and Marino committed a series of burglaries from August to November 2018 in Butler, Westmoreland, Indiana, Lebanon and Lackawanna counties, Shapiro said, citing a presentment from the 46th statewide investigating grand jury.

In each instance, the pair targeted elderly homeowners. One of the suspects would engage the homeowner in conversation while the other entered the residence and stole items of value from safes or various locations throughout the house, Shapiro said.

Nichols was charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, two counts of criminal conspiracy to engage in burglary, six counts of burglary, six counts of theft by unlawful taking and attempted theft by unlawful taking for incidents that took place Aug. 27, 2018 in Franklin Township.

The charges were filed at Magisterial District Judge William O'Donnell's office in Slippery Rock. Court documents do not include information on whether he is incarcerated. A preliminary hearing has not been scheduled.

Marino was charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, four counts of burglary, four counts of theft by unlawful taking and criminal conspiracy to engage in burglary also for incidents that took place Aug. 27, 2018 in Franklin Township. He is incarcerated in the county prison on $50,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20 before O'Donnell.

The investigation began following a referral from the Millcreek Township Police Department, who, along with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the Scranton Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service, provided significant assistance to the investigation.