Articles

Lifestyles Report...The jig is up

Category: Lifestyle Published on Friday, 04 May 2012 10:07 Written by Debbie Norrell

Remember those old terms? Things like the “jig is up” meaning your scam is over. You’re heading to “the pokey,” or “the slammer.” All of these phrases would be suitable for Ken Konias, the man who allegedly stole more than $2 million and killed his armored car co-worker. That was back in February and I just knew he would not be on “the lamb” this long. That is old school talk meaning he would not be out on the street as a free man.

I read about the place that they found him and it sounded horrible. He actually was sharing his story with people. I knew that his plan was shaky. Reportedly he was keeping the money in a storage locker and a duffle bag.

I used to read a lot of mysteries when I was young and Nancy Drew Mysteries were my favorite. I could always picture myself right along with Nancy solving a crime. Sometimes I would pretend to be the person on the wrong side of the law and try to figure my way out of a tough spot. I have done this several times; in the case of Konias, what would I do if I was stupid enough to rob my employer and kill my co-worker? I hope I would have had a better plan going in to this crazy heist, for instance getting away with the money without hurting anyone. Then you have to get as far away as you can, as fast as you can. Somewhere that you can blend in where it is not unusual to have a lot of cash, like Las Vegas.

Konias should have shaved his head or at least picked up a wig or two. Put on some weight by spending some of that money on good food, he could have gambled and maybe won more money. Holing up in a flop house ordering Domino’s Pizza is not the answer. Konias, if you were worried about renting somewhere nice and using your real name why didn’t you buy some hotel gift cards on your way to Florida? I see you failed that laundering the money lesson, and why oh why would you leave money in the cemetery and at your parents’ house? Did you think they would be able to spend it? Thank goodness they turned it in, if not they would be in the same cell as you.

I think Ken wanted to be caught, he was homesick for Pittsburgh. He obviously didn’t know what to do with a big stash like that. He couldn’t get any of his friends to go along for the ride. Reportedly he tried to purchase a fake ID, but was beat out of the money by the person he paid to do that. Note to Ken, you are supposed to set up the fake ID and new name before they start looking for your behind, not after. Well, I guess you’ll have a lot of stories to share once you settle in your jail cell and you’ll be in the company of a lot of people just like you, the ones who almost got away with it.

(Email the columnist at debbie­ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)