Lowber, PA -- Westmoreland County Detectives charged a Mount Pleasant man after he allegedly pocketed more than $85,000 in payroll funds from a Lowber business where he was employed. 

County detectives were contacted by Basic Carbide in Lowber in June of 2025 after the company noticed an employee was receiving unauthorized pay. 

In June of 2024, the employee allegedly obtained nearly $33,000 in unauthorized overtime by accessing company payroll records. 

Upon further review and examination of payroll records, it was determined the employee allegedly obtained more than $85,300 by accessing the payroll system at Basic Carbide since 2022. 

Joseph Gilkey, 29, is facing theft, unlawful use of computer, and receiving stolen property. 

Gilkey resigned from the company. He was arraigned and is expected to be back in court later this month. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.