CHICORA — A local celebrity of sorts finds himself in trouble with the law.

Ronald C. Heist, 69, of Summit Township — also known as the “Mole Man” — is accused by state police of breaking into a Donegal Township barn converted into an art studio and taking several items totaling $650.

Family members, however, questioned the charges and claimed Heist's account differs from the allegations.

On Friday, District Judge Lewis Stoughton of Chicora arraigned the defendant on felony charges of burglary and trespass, misdemeanor charges of theft, receiving stolen property and trespass, and a summary charge of criminal mischief. He remains free on his own recognizance.

Heist may be familiar to some from his appearance several years ago on the “American Pickers” reality television series that airs on the History Channel.

The show features the journeys of two skilled “pickers” who travel the country in search of historic memorabilia and antiques often times hidden away in attics, basements, barns and garages.

Heist appeared in the first season of the series but he became “an instant fan favorite and a staple in American Pickers lore,” according to Screen Rant, an online entertainment news website.

The 2010 episode showcased his handcrafted, underground “lair” comprised of dozens of rooms stashed with collectibles and whatnot in the backyard of his property near Bonniebrook Road.

In the criminal complaint against Heist, police said their investigation dates back to 2017 when they got a report of a break-in and theft at a barn studio on Studio Lane.

The 75-year-old owner, who lives on the same piece of property, discovered the burglary after returning home from a visit with relatives in Florida, said Trooper David Wellington.

The burglary happened between March 1 and June 20, 2017. Stolen was a foot chest, Star Wars toys and a mirror. A lock on the door of the barn had been removed.

A trail cam had taken photos of a man in front of the barn on May 9, 2017, but his identity was unknown. There were no other leads.

“I asked around, did a neighborhood canvas, was unsuccessful and closed (the investigation) out,” Wellington said Wednesday.

But at the end of last year, by chance, the cold case heated up.

“Totally out of the blue,” Wellington recalled, the victim contacted police.

“He advised me that he had purchased his mirror that was stolen out of his barn,” the trooper said.

The owner told police that he was looking for items to purchase when a mutual friend suggested going to see Heist. Little did he know what he would find Dec. 6, 2019.

“It's a very distinctive mirror, made in France, 1900s, Victorian,” Wellington said. It was part of a dresser, which was not taken.

The victim “buys it and reports it,” the trooper said.

Police now had a face to compare with the trail cam photos of that man seen standing in front of the barn. Heist matched the man in the photos.

“He has a distinct look about him,” Wellington said of the defendant.

Wellington acknowledged that there are no photos or other direct evidence that show Heist with any of the stolen property.

At his arraignment, Heist told Stoughton that he has never been in trouble with the law before. The defendant is autistic, two sisters of Heist, who attended the arraignment, told the judge.

One of the sisters asked when her brother would get to tell what happened.

“At the preliminary hearing,” Stoughton advised. The hearing is set March 3.

One sister noted that Heist never got the chance to speak to police before charges were filed.

“I just wish the cops would have got a hold of him,” she told Stoughton. “He's always outside. He wasn't avoiding them. He's just not inside to hear the phone.”