Woman jailed for retail theft

An Elmira, N.Y. woman was recently incarcerated by Athens Township police on a charge of retail theft.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw, Angela Ann Smith, 36, was arrested March 5 after police said she attempted to return $666 worth of clothing, jewelry and perfume items to the Peebles store on Elmira Street.

Police said Smith attempted to return the items without having paid for them. Some of the items still had security tags on them, police said.

Smith was arraigned March 5 and remanded to the Bradford County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. Smith's preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 18.

Unauthorized charges

State police are investigating the report of fraudulent charges made to the checking account of a Tuscarora Twp. resident on Feb. 27 at approximately 11:35 a.m. from a retail store in Bristol.

Police said the victim is a 39-year-old female.

Weapons charge

MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man was jailed on weapons charges after violating a protection from abuse order Feb. 28.

Adam M. Hendricks 34, of 223 E. Avenue, was taken into custody for violating a protection from abuse order, according to a report filed by Police Cpl. David Donkochik.

While being placed in custody, Hendricks told the officers he had three knives in his front pockets, police said.

The knives were spring-loaded and serrated, police said. Two knives had hooked blades which are exposed by spring-assisted mechanisms, police said.

Hendricks was arraigned Thursday on three counts of possession of an offensive weapon and placed in Northumberland County Prison on $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12.

False ID

MOUNT CARMEL - Kevin D. Mashburn, 35, of 308 Lower Mulberry St., Danville, was charged with giving false identification to law enforcement authorities and criminal trespass following an incident near S.O.S. Metals on Route 54 Feb. 23.

Mount Carmel Township Police said Mashburn was found on Susquehanna Coal Company grounds without permission to be there. He provided police with a fake name and a fake telephone number, police said.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 2.

Copper stolen

ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington reported someone entered a building at 197 Plum Creek Road, Rockefeller Township, owned by Safeguard Property Services, Bloomsburg, after damaging a window sometime between Feb. 17 and March 4. Once inside, the person removed several pieces of copper piping.

Firearms violation

SUNBURY - State police at Stonington charged Barry Lee Michael, 58, of 141 Hart St., Shamokin, with a firearms violation after an incident at Geiser Guns, Sunbury, Nov. 15.

Police said Michael attempted to purchase a shotgun but was denied when an instant background check indicated a protection from abuse order has been filed against Michael.

The charge was filed with Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum, of Sunbury.

Charges waived

MOUNT CARMEL - Daniel J. Renn, 32. of 116 E. Melrose St., Marion Heights, waived charges of driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and two traffic violations during a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.

Renn was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell following a traffic chase which began on Natalie Mountain at 10:46 p.m. Nov. 6.

He was ordered to appear for a court arraignment at the Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, Monday, April 7, when he can plead either guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Heidi N. Aversa, Heidi Stecik and Christopher Stecik to Jimmy Duransuazo for $99,000; Duryea.

Ashley R. Lasoski to Tara Evans for $76,500; Hanover Township.

Lori Libby to Anthony C. Miller for $90,000; Wright Township.

Barry Baran to Gerald Palermo Jr. and Ashley L. Smith for $113,500; Hazleton.

Frank Polidora and John Lease to FBL LLC for $155,000; Hazleton.

Richard P. Gvozdas and Janice M. Gvozdas to Frederick H. Wingert and Susan H. Wingert for $100,000; West Wyoming.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY COURT NOTES

marriage licenses

- Jose Orlando Luciano and James Lynn Kilvitis, both of Dunmore.

- Dominic James Palmitessa and Carrie Ann Krah, both of Old Forge.

- Ryan Patrick Gilleran and Jessica Emma Nutt, both of Starrucca.

- Jose Obdulio Hernandez and Tammy Lynn Rider, both of Carbondale.

- Christopher P. Adams and Charlene Corazzi, both of Jessup.

- Francis Edward Jargiello IV and Brittany Marie Brown, both of Scranton.

Property transactions

- Ann Marie Laviola, Scran­ton, to William L. Steedley, Montrose; a property at 803 Woodlawn St., Scranton, for $159,000.

- Jane B. McDonald, Dun­more, to Md Faijul Islam and Mst S. Khatun; a property at 410 Fourth St., Dunmore, for $72,100.

- Donna Tanfield, individually and as executrix of the estate of Dominick J. Pizzo, Isabel McAndrews and Anthony Pizzo, to Bradley C. and Elizabeth R. Tarr; a property at 391 Daleville Highway, Covington Twp., for $129,000.

- Federal National Mortgage Association by its attorney in fact, Mary J. Udren of Udren Law Offices PC, to Joseph and Lucille Visconti; a property at 91 Fern Drive, Thornhurst Twp., for $47,700.

- U.S. Bank National Associ­ation, as trustee for Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust, to Michael A. and Michele A. Wilk, Roaring Brook Twp.; a property at 2025 Delaware St., Dunmore, for $50,500.

- Ryan W. Barrett to Law­rence J. Gaik; a property at 183 Phillips St., Throop, for $117,500.

- Brenda A. Grayek, Moscow, to William F. Tuohey, Dickson City; a property at 215 Craig St., Elmhurst, for $140,500.

divorces sought

- Pedro L. Tagatac v. Paula A. Tagatac, Greenfield Twp.; married Feb. 25, 1983, in Bridge­port, Conn.; Frank J. Ruggiero, attorney.

- Gary Kaschak, Carbondale, v. Stephanie Holmes-Kaschak, Archbald; married July 12, 2002; John J. Cerra, attorney.

ESTATES FILED

- Patricia M. Gillespie, 1011 Barring Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to William Gilles­pie, 1104 Summit Pointe Drive, Scranton.

- Emily J. Festino, 618 Oak St., Old Forge, letters testamentary to John Festino Sr., same address.

BENCH WARRANTS

The following warrants were issued by Judge Vito Geroulo for failure to appear for fines and costs:

- Daniel Bell, 754 N. Railroad St., Palmyra; $5,549.01.

- Roger Bernard Browne, 284 Hickory Ridge Road, Greenfield Twp.; $975.50.

- Matthew Csezmadia, 430 Blaine St., Bangor; $2,888.00.

- Kenneth Robert Broskoshie Sr., 306 Gibson St., Jermyn; $2,935.50.

- Phyllis Bleach, 533 Turner St., Apt 2 Rear, Allentown; $2,095.00.

- Ryan Thomas Cafferty, 621 New York St., Dunmore; $4,018.22.

- Jason Belt, 257 Overlook Drive, East Stroudsburg; $424.50.

- Robert Thomas Coleman, 906 S. Main St., Old Forge; $350.00.

- Anthony Jerrell Coleman, 313 10th Ave., Scranton; $682.50.

- Amanda Stacy Campagna, 409 Hudson St., Moosic; $12,547.00.

- Jackalynn Braxton, 1175 Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Lake Ariel; $850.50.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

LACKAWANNA COUNTY COURT NOTES

Marriage licenses

- Shallum Gerard Harris and Rose Anne Acosta, both of Scranton.

- Andrew Domenick Angelone and Jessica Marie Brancato, both of Albrightsville.

Property transactions

- 1015 Realty Co., Pennsylvania, to Forte Development Group LLC, Pennsylvania; a property at N. Sumner Avenue and Foster Street, Scranton, for $123,000.

- Erin Powell and Jacklyn Furman to Kirk Tribble and Alisha Micknick; a property 207 Taylor St., Taylor, for $127,200.

- Patrick F. and Frances R. Guido, Scranton, to Frank G. Fiorillo, individually and doing business as Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home, and Franca Fiorillo, Scranton; a property at 120 Main Ave., Scranton, for $130,000.

- Shaun Donovan, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, D.C., to Edward J. Carter Sr.; a property at 404 Main St., Dickson City, for $40,000.

Divorces sought

- Casey O'Brien, Jefferson Twp., v. Colleen O'Brien, Spokane Valley, Wash.; married June 14, 2012, in Boston; John J. Brazil Jr., attorney.

- Tina E. Lesh, Pittston, v. Robert J. Lesh Jr., Jefferson Twp.; married June 16, 2005; pro se.

- Candace A. Zaro, Carbondale, v. Thomas R. Zaro, Kingston; married March 17, 2013; Leonard L. Junker, attorney.

- Holly Wolo, Scranton, v. John J. Hunt, Bellefonte; married Aug. 4, 2005; Anne Marie Howells, attorney.

- Lori Ann McLain, Scranton, v. Dean Allen McLain, Madison Twp.; married April 11, 1997; Anne Marie Howells, attorney.

Estates FILED

- Stella G. Abbott, 100 Linden St., Apt. 211, Clarks Summit, letters testamentary to James Abbott, 12 Pine Tree Road, Ramsey, N.J.

- Jean M. Frisbie, 229 Pike St., Carbondale, letters testamentary to Rosemary Corrigan, RR 1, Box 2, Carbondale, and Carol Ann Hannon, 39 Coal St., Jenkins Twp.

- John R. Williams Sr., 1725 Penn Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Rita C. Williams, same address.

- Lillian A. Kraynick, 1319 S. Irving Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Joseph G. Kraynick, 18 Lamington Road, P.O. Box 238, Whitehouse, N.J.

- John Francis Angerson, 250 Willow St., Olyphant, letters testamentary to Daniel D. Angerson, 313 Field St., Dunmore.

State tax lien

- Rich Banick Photography LLC, 1301 Quincy Ave., Dunmore; $584.11.

Divorce DECREES

- Tara Banks v. Bernard Banks.

- Ann Marie Legg v. David M. Legg.

- Mark A. Petriello v. Blythe M. Petriello.

Ards

The following defendants were admitted to the Accelerated Re­­habilitative Disposition program for driving under the influence:

- Christopher Smith, 30, Archbald, stopped June 6 by Archbald police.

- Maryann Southard, 59, Old Forge, stopped Sept. 22 by Old Forge police.

- Steven D. Bergsma, 38, Moscow, stopped June 15 by Jefferson Twp. police.

- Justin W. Walters, 25, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., stopped Feb. 7, 2012, by state police.

- Nicholas J. Mayer, 26, Clifton, N.J., stopped Feb. 19, 2012, by Scranton police.

- Derrick D. Pham, 33, Blakely, stopped May 1 by Blakely police.

The following defendants were admitted to the ARD program for other crimes:

- Joseph David Alexander, 48, Avoca, arrested Oct. 10 by Moosic police for criminal mischief.

- John R. Lucas, 44, Jessup, arrested Oct. 31 by Jessup police for harassment and terroristic threats.

- Ryan Hunisch, 20, Moosic, arrested Nov. 19 by Taylor police for resisting arrest, assault and driving an unregistered vehicle.

- John M. Peters, 40, Dickson City, arrested June 29 by Dickson City police for possession of marijuana and use and possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Adam Rutkowski, 33, Dickson City, arrested Feb. 25, 2013, by Dickson City police for resisting arrest, assault, harassment and making terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Man waives hearing on heroin delivery charges

Kyle B. Allen, 30, of Canton, has waived his preliminary hearing to the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas on charges that he conspired with two other people in delivering heroin to a state police confidential informant on Aug. 6, 2012 at the Pump 'n Pantry parking lot along Route 14 in the Canton area, said Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy.

Allen was charged with delivery of and possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance, according to court papers.

Items taken from gas pad

State police at Towanda said someone cut a chain and stole batteries and a solar panel sometime between Feb. 21-28 at a gas pad on Southside Road in LeRoy Township.

Police said the victim was an oil and gas company from Montoursville. Police did not identify the company.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact state police at Towanda.

Woman charged with retail theft

State police at Towanda said Rachelle Marie Rockwell, 24, of Troy, was charged with retail theft for stealing multiple items at 6:50 p.m. Feb. 28 from the Tops Market on Elmira Street in Troy Township.

One injured

One person had a minor injury in a crash at 8:49 p.m. Feb. 21 on Route 6 in Burlington Township, said state police at Towanda.

Police said Gary R. May, 33, of Troy, who was not injured, was traveling east and lost control of his Subaru Outback while negotiating a left curve on a patch of black ice. According to police, his vehicle traveled into the westbound lane and struck a guide rail in the westbound berm and came to rest in the westbound lane, facing west. A passenger, Shawn R. McKusick, 24, of Troy, had a minor injury, police said. Police said the vehicle had disabling damage.

No one injured

No one was injured in a one-vehicle accident at 9:26 p.m. Feb. 21 on Route 14 in Canton Township, said state police at Towanda.

Police said Kristin L. Kelley, 48, of Roaring Branch was traveling south and lost control of her Ford Excursion while negotiating a left curve on a patch of black ice. The vehicle traveled into the northbound lane and struck a rock wall in the northbound berm. According to police, it continued to travel into the northbound berm and struck a mailbox, a trash can, and a Chevrolet Cruze before coming to final rest facing north in the northbound berm. Police said the Cruze was legally parked in a driveway in the northbound berm. Kelley's vehicle had disabling damage and the Cruze had minor driver side damage, police said. There was a passenger in Kelley's vehicle and no one was injured.

No injuries reported

A driver was not injured in a one-vehicle accident Feb. 23 on Route 14 in Columbia Township, said state police at Towanda.

Police said Nikki L. Putnam, 29, of Troy, was traveling south and a deer entered the southbound travel lane. Putnam attempted to swerve to miss the deer, but her Ford Focus struck the deer, traveled into the southbound berm, and struck a ditch. It came to final rest facing south in the southbound berm and had disabling damage.

John E. Ryman and Mary Ann Ryman to Michael G. Dawson for $177,675; Butler Township.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center and Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Corp. to Mainview Conyngham LTD for $445,000; Conyngham.

Diane F. Cortese and Joseph M. Cortese to Keith R. Krepfle for $317,500; Butler Township.

Paul J. Callahan Jr. to Hope Center of the Wyoming Valley for $152,500; Luzerne.

Lawrence Galazin (administrator) and Matthew Galazin (estate) to Philip Keener for $83,000; Newport Township.

Bonny Miller v. Dennis Miller.

Amie Remsky v. David Remsky Jr.

Adelaila Parry v. Dana Parry.

Clarence Lewis v. Jann Ciochetto.

James Stuart Jr. v. Melissa Stuart.

Wilkes-Barre City police reported the following incidents:

n Wilkes-Barre police were dispatched to Elizabeth Street at about 4 p.m. Monday for a juvenile claiming to be injured during a fight. The juvenile said Tanasia Haulcombe, of Carey Avenue, threw bleach in her right eye and cut her on the right wrist with a knife. Officers saw that her right eye was red and watery, along with a small cut on her right wrist. Police could also smell a strong odor of bleach coming from her body. Witnesses said Haulcombe chased the victim around a car with a knife. Charges are pending.

n A victim told police that around 5 p.m. Monday, she had a verbal altercation with her son, Felix Santiago, of South Sherman Street, over him "being lazy and not paying any bills." The victim stated that during the course of the altercation, Santiago "became enraged" and shoved her into a wall. Harassment charges are pending.

Condition update

DANVILLE - Christopher Charowsky, 21, of 1500 Pulaski Ave., the driver of a car that crashed on Route 61 near Tharptown Feb. 28, remained in critical condition Friday at Geisinger Medical Center, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Names released

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Mount Carmel Township police have released the names of the drivers involved in a two-vehicle accident Thursday evening on Route 61 in Atlas.

Police said a Volkswagen Passat, operated by Robert Ditchey, 55, of Mount Carmel, pulled out of the Pine Burr Inn parking lot and into the path of a northbound Chevrolet Express work van, operated by Clinton Hardenstine, 51, of Coal Township.

Ditchey and Hardestine were treated and released from hospitals. Ditchey will not be cited in the accident, police said Friday.

Vehicle hits tree

BURNSIDE - Daniel Boyd, 53, of 1117 Tioga St., Coal Township, escaped injury Thursday night when his vehicle struck a tree after he applied his brakes to avoid striking a small animal along Route 125 near the entrance to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area park.

Police said Boyd was driving north at 6:36 p.m. when the animal ran out in front of his vehicle. Boyd said he applied his brakes, but the vehicle's front end started to shake, causing it to pull to the right and off the road. The vehicle then struck a tree along an embankment, causing minor damage to its passenger side.

The vehicle had to be pulled from a ditch by Jones Enterprise of Burnside.

PFA violation

MOUNT CARMEL - Dennis D. Phinazee, 45, of Mount Carmel, was charged by Cpl. David Donkochik with violating a protection from abuse order involving a disturbance at 5:11 p.m. Wednesday at his former residence at 319 S. Vine St.

Police said Phinazee was involved in a fight at his former residence, which violated a protection from abuse order signed by his wife, Angel Phinazee.

Police said the defendant had been evicted from the home and was prohibited from being there.

DUI

SHAMOKIN - Kendall L. Kehler, 34, of 130 E. Dewart St., Apt. 2, Shamokin, was charged by Cpl. Jarrod Scandle with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, one count of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, hit and run and careless driving relating to a Dec. 14 accident in the 100 block of East Lincoln Street.

Police reported Kehler had a blood-alcohol content of .094 percent and also had cocaine in his blood system.

Burglary

SHAMOKIN - Charges of burglary and receiving stolen property were filed by Patrolman Raymond Siko III against Aaron Michael Bixler, 24, of 921 N. Washington St., Shamokin, in connection with a Feb. 28 burglary at the residence of Jenna Rodriguez, of 328 S. Pearl St.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Bixler is accused of stealing a flat screen television valued at approximately $500, a DVD player valued at $300 and approximately 50 DVDs valued at $250.

Drug charges

SHAMOKIN - Patrolman Raymond Siko II has charged Eric Weikel, 29, of 828 N. Sixth St., Shamokin, with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana involving a Jan. 27 incident at his residence.

In addition to seizing marijuana, police also found a plastic bag containing marijuana, three scales, two marijuana grinders, three smoking pipes with burnt residue, cigarette packs with marijuana, multiple plastic packets and $466 in cash, $40 of which was police "buy money."

Liquor law violation

MOUNT CARMEL - Clover Hose Co., 301 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, was cited Thursday by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for sales to a non-member.

Police said the violations were committed Oct. 1, Oct. 18, Nov. 1 and Dec. 28.

The following information was provided by the Hopewell Police Department.

- Assault: Aggravated: At 9:24 p.m. Feb. 28, police responded to the 400 block of N. 2nd Ave. for a reported assault. While being asked to leave, unknown offender hit victim with a gun.

- Burglary/Breaking and Entering/Commercial: At 9 a.m. Feb. 28, police responded to the 3200 block of Oaklawn Blvd. for a reported fraud. Known offender entered business by unknown means, sold a vehicle fraudulently and was arrested.

- Burglary/Breaking and Entering/Residential: At 6 a.m. Feb. 27, police responded to the 3000 block of Belmont Ave. for a reported burglary. Unknown offender entered residence by forcing rear door and stole TV.

- Burglary/Breaking and Entering/Residential: At 12 a.m. March 2, police responded to the 1900 block of Dinwiddie Ave. for a reported burglary. Unknown offender entered residence by unknown means and stole washer, generator and freezer.

- Burglary/Breaking and Entering/Residential: At 9 a.m. March 2, police responded to the 500 block of Prince Henry Ave. for a reported burglary. Unknown offender forced entry to residence via window and stole jewelry.

- Drug/Narcotic Violation: At 7:23 p.m. Feb. 27, police responded to the 2400 block of Boston St. in reference to a disturbance. Known offender was detained due to possession of suspect narcotics.

- Drug/Narcotic Violation: At 10:33 p.m. Feb. 27, police conducted a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Dellrose Drive. All occupants attempted to flee from police. Two of the occupants were apprehended and found to be in possession of narcotics and were arrested. Charges pending for the driver who fled.

- Drug/Narcotic Violation: At 3:47 p.m. Feb. 28, police conducted a traffic stop in the 3300 block of Oaklawn Blvd. Driver was found to be wanted out of multiple jurisdictions, in possession of marijuana and was arrested.

- Drug/Narcotic/Violation: At 10:26 p.m. Feb. 28, police responded to the 300 block of Allen Ave. for a reported overdose. Known offender was found to be in possession of marijuana. Charges pending.

- Larceny/Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts/Accessories: At 7 p.m. Feb. 24, police were dispatched to the 3600 block of Brandywine Drive in regards to a larceny. Unknown offender stole a stereo from an unsecured vehicle.

- Larceny/Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts/Accessories: At 12 a.m. Feb. 24, police responded to headquarters for a reported larceny that occurred in the 100 block of S. 15th Ave. Unknown offender stole license plates from vehicle.

- Larceny/Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts/Accessories: At 9 p.m. Feb. 28, police responded to the 200 block of N. 3 1/2 Ave. for a reported larceny. Unknown offender stole license plate and tag light bulbs from vehicle.

- Larceny-All Other Larceny: At 8:03 p.m. Feb. 26, police responded to headquarters for a reported larceny that occurred in the 1800 block of Dublin St. Known offender stole credit card, used it without permission and was arrested.

- Larceny-Theft From Building: At 6 p.m. Feb. 24, police responded to headquarters for a reported larceny that occurred in the 1800 block of Dublin St. Known offender stole credit card, used it without permission and was arrested.

- Larceny-Theft From Motor Vehicle: At 6 p.m. Feb. 27, police responded to the 3100 block of Granby St. for a reported larceny. Unknown offender entered vehicle by unknown means and stole phone charger and back pack.

- Vandalism/Damage/Destruction of Property: At 9 a.m. Feb. 26, police responded to the area of N. 2nd Ave. and Davis St. for a reported vandalism. Unknown offender scratched vehicle door panel.

- Vandalism/Damage/Destruction of Property: At 9:30 p.m. March 2, police responded to the 500 block of Smithfield Ave. for a reported vandalism. Unknown offender shattered vehicle rear glass.

- Weapon Law Offenses: At 2:45 p.m. Feb. 28, police responded to the 00 block of S. 8th Ave. in regards to the discharge of a BB gun. Known offender shot BB gun at a worker in the area. Petitions pending.

- Weapon Law Offenses: At 7:08 p.m. March 2, police responded to the 200 block of Winston Churchill Drive for a reported fight in progress. Known offenders struck the victim in the head and discharged a firearm in the air.

- Information is provided by police and sheriff's departments. This information may or may not be all inclusive. Arrests include summons. Arrests do not imply guilt.

Wyoming County Court Notes appear weekly in The Times-Tribune.

Real estate

- Whipple Bros. Inc. to Robert Otto, property in Braintrim Twp. for $5,000.

- Diane T. Meislohn to Melton James Armitage, property in Windham Twp. for $1,035.30.

- Diane T. Meislohn to Robert A. and Vicky L. Long, property in Windham Twp. for $665.55

- Nufeeds Inc. to Somerset Regional Water Resources LLC, property in Clinton Twp. for $1,000,000.

- Whipple Bros. Inc., to Holloman Corp., property in Braintrim Twp. for $25,000.

- Carl C. Rocko to John D. Rowlands, property in Braintrim Twp. for $18,000.

- Joanna M. Brandt to Tammy Jarnagin, Ann Ross, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $50,000.

- James C. Cronce, Lyndell D. Cronce, to Richard David Parduski, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $20,000.

- Ernest Mecke, Theresa Mecke, to Lester Shiffer, David B. Kyle, property in Nicholson for $124,000.

- Bayview Loan Serving LLC to Timothy Griffin, property in Clinton Twp. for $45,000.

- Duane Veety, executor of the estate of Romayne Veety, to John B. Zdaniewicz, property in Falls Twp. for $100,000.

- Virginia Pollack Stevens to Frank Kratz Jr., property in Eaton Twp. for $84,375.

- Susan Robinson Gibbons, William J. Gibbons, to Bruce Steele, property in Lemon Twp. for $270,000.

- John C. Lee to Randy M. Wiernusz, property in Eaton Twp. for $235,000.

- Grace Fellowship Church of Tunkhannock Inc. to K&B Holdings LLC, property in Tunkhannock and Tunkhannock Twp. for $430,000.

- William D. Cresswell, Marilyn Cresswell, to Frances Picicci, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $175,000.

- Jean Steele Kukuchka, Ruth A. Kukuchka, John Kukuchka, Jr., Ronald Steele, to Brenda J. Wisnosky, Anthony J. Wisnosky, property in Tunkhannock for $150,000.

- Paul Wilson, June Wilson, to Linda E. Gramento, property in Lemon Twp. for $100,000.

Estates filed

- Doreen A. Banos, late of Eaton Twp., Wyoming County, letters of administration to Kevin Banos, c/o Catherine J. Garbus, 24 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

- William Earl Sesson, late of Monroe Twp., Wyoming County, letters of administration to Michael P. Sesson Jr., and Richard E. Sesson, c/o Catherine J. Garbus, 24 E. Tioga Street, Tunkhannock PA 18657.

- Marcia A. Platts, late of Mehoopany Twp., Wyoming County, letters of administration to Jason M. Platts, c/o Catherine J. Garbus, 24 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

Marriage LICENSEs

- Kyle T. Repsher, Laceyville, and Julie D. Johns, Mountaintop.

- Robert M. Whitaker, Tunkhannock, and Kathleen J. Berry, Tunkhannock.

- John E. Budzak, Noxen, and Deborah A. Karasek, Monroe Twp.

Woman charged with selling Oxycodone

Rhonda Gene Benjamin, 22, of Towanda has been charged by state police with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person relating to an Oct. 8 incident on State Route 2024.

According to police, Benjamin sold 10 tablets of Oxycodone to a confidential informant for $120.

During the drug sale, Benjamin had an infant child in the vehicle, police said.

Benjamin was released on non-monetary bail conditions after an arraignment Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on March 12 at 10:45 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

Drug dealing charges

Debra A. Spencer, 51, of Towanda has been charged by state police with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility relating to an Oct. 1 incident on Main Street in Towanda Borough.

According to police, Spencer sold 20 Vicodin tablets to a confidential informant for $100.

Spencer was released on non-monetary bail conditions after an arraignment on Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on March 19 at 10 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

Woman faces drug charges

Patti Jo Benjamin, 41, of Towanda has been charged by state police with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility relating to incidents on Sept. 3 and Nov. 21 on Railroad Street in Towanda Township.

According to police, during both incidents, Benjamin sold Oxycodone tablets to confidential informants.

Benjamin was released on non-monetary bail conditions after an arraignment on Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on March 12 at 10:15 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

The following information was provided by the Prince George County Police Department.

- Police responded to the 5200 block of Branchester Drive, Hopewell, on Feb. 24 for a reported vandalism/damage/destruction of property.

- Police responded to the 5100 block of Monroe Ave., Hopewell, on Feb. 24 for a reported larceny-theft from motor vehicle.

- Police responded to the 3800 block of Devon Court, Hopewell, on Feb. 24 for a reported fraud-false pretenses/swindle/confidence.

- Police responded to the 3500 block of Brandywine Drive, Hopewell, on Feb. 24 for a reported vandalism/damage/destruction of property.

- Police responded to the 4200 block of Brandywine Drive, Hopewell, on Feb. 25 for a reported drug/narcotic violation and drug equipment violation.

- Police responded to the 2000 block of Waterside Road, Prince George, on Feb. 25 for a reported embezzlement.

- Police responded to the 7800 block of Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, on Feb. 25 for a reported drug/narcotic violation.

- Police responded to the 5800 block of Spencer Lane, Disputanta, on Feb. 26 for a reported assault-intimidation.

- Police responded to the 800 block of Walther St., Prince George, on Feb. 27 for a reported drug/narcotic violation.

- Police responded to the 13600 block of Old Stage Road, Hopewell, on Feb. 27 for a reported assault-simple.

- Police responded to the 5100 block of Chudoba Pkwy., Disputanta, on Feb. 27 for a reported larceny-theft from motor vehicle.

- Police responded to 1295 S., Prince George, on Feb. 27 for a reported drug/narcotic violation.

- Police responded to the 7000 block of Troy Terr., Prince George, on Feb. 27 for a reported assault-simple.

- Police responded to the 18300 block of Wards Creek Road, Disputanta, on Feb. 28 for a reported larceny-all other larceny.

- Police responded to the 500 block of Birdsong Road, Petersburg, on Feb. 28 for a reported motor vehicle theft/stolen auto.

- Police responded to the 11000 block of Griffin Road, Petersburg, on Feb. 28 for a reported larceny-theft from building.

- Police responded to the 100 block of Sulgrave Ave., Petersburg, on March 1 for a reported assault-simple.

- Police responded to the 12000 block of Halcyon Way, Prince George, on March 1 for a reported vandalism/damage/destruction of property.

- Police responded to the 6600 block of Bull Hill Road, Prince George on March 1 for a reported vandalism/damage/destruction of property.

- Police responded to the 4100 block of Baxter Ridge Drive/Cross Point Lane, Prince George, on March 1 for a reported drug/narcotic violation.

- Police responded to the 500 block of Folar Trl., Hopewell, on March 1 for a reported theft-theft of motor vehicle parts/accessories.

- Police responded to the 8700 block of Centennial Road, Disputanta, on March 1 for a reported family offenses, non-violent.

- Police responded to the 12200 block of S. Crater Road, Petersburg, on March 2 for a reported weapon law offenses.

- Police responded to the 8400 block of County Drive, Disputanta, on March 2 for a reported drive suspended/reckless driving.

- Police responded to the 11900 block of Johnson Road, Petersburg, on March 2 for a reported vandalism/damage/destruction of property all others.

- Police responded to the 1300 block of Butternut Drive, Hopewell, on March 2 for a reported vandalism/damage/destruction of property.

- Information is provided by police and sheriff's departments. This information may or may not be all inclusive. Arrests include summons. Arrests do not imply guilt.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Trooper Justin Rosboschil of state police at Stonington reported David Charles Carper, 25, of Hosta Road, Paxinos, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped for multiple traffic violations at 2:35 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Routes 61 and 901 in Mount Carmel Township.

Firearms stolen

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington are investigating the theft of firearms owned by Michael P. Higgins, 52, of Sunbury, and Joel E. Morris, 59, of Harrisburg.

Police said the firearms were stolen between Jan. 1 and Friday from Sheffield Drive in this Northumberland County township.

Police said a 43-year-old Millersburg female is a suspect in the theft.

Hazleton Police Chief Frank DeAndrea fights crime one luncheon and one church service at time.

By attending community events, DeAndrea cultivates relationships, especially in the city's Latino community.

He accepts invitations to breakfasts, worship services and crime watch meetings, and stops by the Hazleton One Community Center.

He gives out his cellphone number, and said people call at all hours.

"I embrace that," DeAndrea said. "If people feel I'm approachable, then they think my sergeants and lieutenants and patrolmen are approachable."

If people don't approach, police don't solve crimes.

City police Detective Lt. Ken Zipovsky quotes an FBI statistic when teaching police cadets at Lackawanna College. Police solve 3 percent of cases by themselves. To solve the other 97 percent, police rely on information provided by someone on the community.

In Hazleton, nearly half the community is Latino.

The U.S. Census in 2010 said 37.3 percent of Hazleton's residents are Latino. Adding people whom the Census missed, DeAndrea estimates, pushes the total to nearly half the population.

Police are trying to overcome barriers - such as language, immigration status and attitudes about law enforcement that people developed in their home countries - so witnesses are more willing to offer information.

But DeAndrea said the larger task might involve helping the Anglo and Latino communities to consider themselves as one city.

"Everybody needs to recognize the only way for us to succeed is to become one," he said.

Mentioning the 1976 firebombing that killed Luzerne County Deputy Sheriff Eugene Boyarski and his family, DeAndrea reminds people whose families have lived in Hazleton for generations that the violent crime occurred before the most recent wave of immigration brought Latinos to the city.

The 1897 massacre of miners during a protest march in Lattimer, he said, illustrates the plight of some residents' ancestors when they emigrated to Hazleton.

Today when crime strikes an immigrant family, police ask relatives to translate.

"Go to the houses. Who speaks English? The kids," DeAndrea said.

After A.J. Goryl sustained debilitating injuries from a beating one year ago today, DeAndrea said police hung up posters in English and Spanish while seeking leads.

One officer, Detective Chris Orozco, who speaks fluent Spanish, stopped serving on an FBI gang task force and returned to full-time duty in the city because the police need his language skills.

DeAndrea would like the Police Civil Service Commission to change the ranking system so candidates for openings on the force get preference if they speak Spanish.

Rocco Formica, chairman of the commission, said changes in the ranking system for civil service candidates have to be made at the state level. The civil service rules, he added, give preference to no one based on ethnicity.

Developing a bilingual force is a long-term project because learning a language takes years, DeAndrea said. Meanwhile, he will draw help from the public.

"We may never have 20 cops who speak Spanish, but we have half the community that speaks Spanish," he said.

How people viewed police in their home countries can color how they perceive police in Hazleton.

In some developing nations, police extort money, inflict beatings and perpetrate other evils, DeAndrea said.

"Cops are the last people you want to show up at your house in third-world countries," he said.

DeAndrea seeks to overcome those biases, but also gain trust of people wary of authority since Hazleton passed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act in 2006.

The murder of Derek Kichline in May 2006 provoked city officials to support the act because suspects in the case had no permission to live in the United States.

Victims in other cases, however, such as the 2005 murder of Julio Angel Mojca Calderon, were undocumented immigrants.

Hazleton's act would have penalized businesses for hiring undocumented immigrants and landlords for renting to them.

Some people reportedly left Hazleton when the act was proposed. Latinos and Anglos held competing protests in front of City Hall when city council prepared to vote on the law, but the law has become less of an issue since then.

It never took effect because federal judges ruled it unconstitutional.

The 8-year case ended when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the city's appeal on March 3.

"We're trying to heal wounds and move forward," DeAndrea said.

New paint schemes for police vehicles are part of his effort to present police in a new light to residents.

In a recent case involving the killing of one person and an assault on another, the woman who survived the assault was an undocumented immigrant.

Police referred her to a federal agency that is helping her obtain a U Visa, which allows crime victims to live and work in the United States while they help police solve the cases with which they're involved.

"It's not legal to mistreat anyone," DeAndrea said.

kjackson@standardspeaker.com

DUI

SHAMOKIN - William Lester McCollum, 33, of Shamokin, was arrested by state police at Stonington for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped for a traffic violation at 1:43 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Market and West Lincoln streets.

Cameron Bridge accident

COAL TOWNSHIP - Robert J. Bresko, 44, of 926 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, suffered injuries early Sunday when his 1998 Chevy Blazer flipped onto its passenger side on Route 61 at the Cameron Bridge.

Patrolman Chris Lapotsky reported Bresko was driving south at 12:39 a.m. when his vehicle traveled onto the berm of the southbound lanes after he failed to negotiate a left curve on the bridge. The Blazer then traveled across the northbound lanes, struck a curb and guard rail and flipped onto its passenger side.

Bresko and his passenger, Robert Dietterick, 26, of 36 Green Low Way, York, were able to exit the Blazer on their own. Bresko suffered injuries and was transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where he underwent emergency room treatment before being released. Dietterick escaped injury.

The Blazer sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene.

Assisting Coal Township police were members of Shamokin Fire Bureau, Shamokin and Ralpho Township police.

An investigation is continuing.

Property Transactions

Sharon C. Rose and Loretta E. Washick to Mark J. Williams and Vanessa Williams for $155,000; Kingston Township.

Cynthia M. Dolimpio (executrix) and Irene E. Ewashko (estate) to Kimberly J. Murchison for $110,000; Salem Township.

Thomas P. Kane and Donna Kane to Shirley Lewis for $172,000; Lehman Township.

Sand Springs Development Corp. to David Steitz and Kathryn Steitz for $184,500; Butler Township.

Allen Thomas Zaranick to Martin J. McHale and Jean McHale for $112,250; Pittston Township.

Cartus Financial Corp. to Homer H. Cote and Jonida K. Cote for $377,000; Kingston Township.

Phillip J. Grucella and Deborah Grucella to Frank C. Natitus and Liza Natitus for $72,500; Wilkes-Barre.

State police investigating Ridgebury Twp. hit-and-run

State police at Towanda are investigating a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident in Ridgebury Township.

According to state police, at about 7:45 p.m. Feb. 21, an unknown vehicle driven by an unknown operator was traveling southbound on Berwick Turnpike when it traveled off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox.

Police said the mailbox post was sheared at the base as a result and struck a parked 2003 Kia Sedona. The vehicle had minor damage to the right side, police said.

A private caller reported the accident to the state Department of Transportation, police said.

Police investigate scattered rubbish

State police at Towanda are investigating a rubbish scattering incident that occurred in Wysox Township.

According to state police, an unknown actor discarded about 10 bags of garbage along property on Red Rock Road sometime on Feb. 24 or 25. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.

Check stolen

State police are investigating a fraud and forgery incident in Warren Township.

According to information from state police at Towanda, an unnamed 24-year-old female of Owego, N.Y. is believed to have taken a check from a woman living at a Cadis Road residence. The suspect then used the check to make a purchase at a store in Little Meadows, Susquehanna County, police said.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.

Police investigating indecent assault case

State police at Towanda are investigating an indecent assault case in Canton Township.

According to information from state police, a juvenile suspect is accused of sexually assaulting two juveniles on two separate occasions between Jan. 2013 and Jan. 2014. Investigation into the case is ongoing, police said.

Theft reported

State police are investigating a reported theft in Towanda Township.

According to state police at Towanda, an unknown actor or actors accessed the credit card account of a Monroeton woman online sometime between Feb. 25 and March 3. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.

Wilmot Twp. house egged

State police at Towanda are investigating a criminal mischief incident in Wilmot Township.

According to state police, an unknown actor or actors used several eggs and paintballs to hit a Fisk Road residence at about 8:45 p.m. March 7. The victim reported approximately $25 worth of damage due to removal costs, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.

Firewood stolen

State police at Towanda are investigating a theft in Litchfield Township.

According to information from state police, about eight pieces of firewood were removed March 8 from a stack outside of a Valley View Road residence.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.

One cited in MVA

State police at Towanda recently investigated a one-car motor vehicle accident in Asylum Township.

According to state police, at about 1:30 a.m. March 6, an eastbound 2008 Nissan Titan operated by Robert A. Schoonover, 28, of Towanda, was traveling uphill and exiting a right curve on Tip Top Road when it veered off the road for an unknown reason.

Police said the vehicle struck a tree on the westbound shoulder of the road with its front end.

Schoonover did not wear a seatbelt and had minor injuries, but was not transported to a hospital, police said. Police cited Schoonover for careless driving, police said.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

- Robert M. and Patricia Xenos Reynolds to Robert L. Sr. and Linda L. Hickey; a property in Dreher Twp. for $48,000.

- Wayne Bank to David and Kimberly J. Glodek; a property in Hawley for $55,000.

- David E. and Dale E. Parker to SJP Rentals; a property in Honesdale for $45,963.

- June Badlgey to EJ Holdings; a property in Honesdale for $120,000.

- KML Law Group, attorney-in-fact for Fannie Mae, also known as Federal National Mortgage Association, to Christophe Haxaire and Jayme Skylar; a property in Honesdale for $42,000.

- Stephen M. Putzi, individually and as agent for Suzanne Putzi, also known as Suzanne S. Putzi, to Rogue Investments; a property in Honesdale for $35,000.

- Carolyn E. Valvano to Sergey and Ninel Kirichenko; a property in Lake Twp. for $175,000.

- Clifford A. Black Jr. and Lillian R. Hazen, trustees of Clifford A. Black Trust, to William and Carol Waibel; a property in Lake Twp. for $129,250.

- Michael and Kimberly Butler to Donald F. and Lorna Gilpin; a property in Lake Twp. for $125,000.

- Richard J. and Lorraine Estell to Frank C. and Diane H. Boschelli; a property in Lake Twp. for $130,000.

- Kathy A. Yackoski to Four Six Seven Lakewood Limited Liability; a property in Lake Twp. for $95,000.

- Antonio Robertiello and Christine Tornillo to Thomas Drelich; a property in Lake Twp. for $165,000.

- David J. Botjer to David Battin; a property in Lake Twp. for $41,000.

- Lucy Hamed and George Angelo Kokakis to Jeffrey Perez and Bryan a. Perez; a property in Lake Twp. for $80,000.

- Mary and Carlos Delgado to Nishan and Melissa Boodaghian; a property in Lehigh Twp. for $135,000.

- Bank of America, attorney-in-fact for Bank of New York Mellon, to Paul J. Jr. and Jennifer Barucky; a property in Lehigh Twp. for $58,000.

- Carmine F. and Linda J. Lofaso, Geronimo and Melissa Arcangel, to Erin Jones; a property in Lehigh Twp. for $138,700.

- Thomas P. Carroll to Joseph C. and Mary T. Carini; a property in Lehigh Twp. for $69,000.

- James A. and Suzanne E. Mansfield to Alan B. and Roberta Munro; a property in Manchester Twp. for $175,000.

- Sharon M. Hoffman and Steward W. Hoffman, also known as Stewart W. Hoffman, to Vincent, Juli, Joseph Jr. and Milissa M. Morea; a property in Manchester Twp. for $195,000.

- Rachel Nazareth and Jeffrey Tecosky Feldman, trustees of Feldman Irrevocable Grantor Trust, to Eduardo Martinez and Anna Valerio; a property in Oregon Twp. for $200,500.

- Faulcon L. Jr. and Shirleen Bisson to Paul A. and Karen Rattinger; a property in Palmyra Twp. for $312,000.

- Jeffrey Noble, Leonard and Patricia Bates to Vincent Galano; a property in Palmyra Twp. for $132,500.

- Trent R. and Anna Bryden to Stacy Fried; a property in Paupack Twp. for $75,000.

- Gerald F. Jr. and Susan A. McAllister to Joseph and Denise Fuzak; a property in Paupack Twp. for $360,000.

Missing teen

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police are continuing their search for Devon Young, 14, of 1465 Pulaski Ave., who has been missing since 4:35 p.m. Saturday.

Young is described as a black male who is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a gray jacket, a black T-shirt and red and black sneakers.

Anyone with information about the missing teen is urged to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

Littering citations

COAL TOWNSHIP - Dylan James Swank, 19, of 248 S. Coal St., Shamokin, Michelle Martinez, 39, of Shamokin, and a 17-year-old Shamokin male were cited by police for littering after being apprehended at 3:36 p.m. Sunday while throwing building materials from a pickup truck and trailer onto a pile in an area east of Big Mountain Road, approximately one-half mile south of Shamokin Street.

Prior to leaving the area, the three Shamokin residents cleaned up the debris they scattered.

Vehicle egged

COAL TOWNSHIP - Chrystal Yoder, 38, of 909 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, reported someone egged her 1998 Ford Explorer between 3 and 11 a.m. Sunday.

Anyone with information is urged to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

Ring found

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police said a ring was found near Shamokin Area Elementary School Saturday. The owner can claim the ring by contacting police at 570-644-0333.

Domestic incident

MOUNT CARMEL - Ian Caleb Jumper, 19, of 350 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel, has been cited by Police Chief Todd L. Owens with one count each of disorderly conduct and harassment for an alleged incident about 3 p.m. Feb. 28 in the 200 block of North Park Street.

Police said Jumper went to the home of Kim Wylie, of 219 N. Park St., to retrieve personal belongings and began yelling and cursing in the street and making threats to Wylie. He fled the scene and was located at 331 E. Third St.

Assisting were Cpl. David Donkochik, Patrolman William Adamski and Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets.

In an unrelated incident, Wylie was cited by Code Officer Robin Williams for failing to respond to a ticket she was issued Dec. 4 for garbage at the rear of her property.

Public intoxication

MOUNT CARMEL - Joshua Sulick, 24, of 318 E. Third St., Wilburton, was cited by Cpl. David Donkochick for public drunkenness after a disturbance at 3:40 a.m. Feb. 23 in the first block of North Oak Street. Police said he was involved in a separate disturbance in the same area about 30 minutes prior. Patrolman Justin Stelma assisted.

Harassment

MOUNT CARMEL - Dennis Donyell Phinazee, 45, of 319 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel, was cited by Patrolman Matthew Dillman for harassment for allegedly dragging his wife, Angel Phinazee, out of bed and pushing her down several times about 2:21 a.m. Feb. 25.

Code violations

MOUNT CARMEL - Five people were cited by Code Officer Robin Williams for failing to respond to tickets for alleged code violations:

- Adam J. Johnson, of 429 S. Hickory St., for a ticket issued Dec. 4 for debris at his property.

- Christopher ElSayed, of 903 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin, for two tickets issued Dec. 16 for snow and ice on sidewalks outside his properties at 51 S. Locust St. and 49-51 S. Walnut St.

- Jacqueline Derr, of 327 N. Vine St., for a ticket issued Dec. 9 for garbage and debris at a property she owns at 36 N. Vine St.

- Robert Zimmerman, of 337 S. Turnpike St., for a ticket issued Dec. 6 for debris at his property.

- Thomas Gallagher, of 240 E. Centre St., Ashland, for a ticket issued Dec. 16 for snow and ice on a sidewalk outside his property at 149-151 S. Oak St.