Phone, DVDs stolen

SHAMOKIN DAM - State police at Selinsgrove are investigating the theft of a Nintendo Wii, Atari game system, I-phone 5C and approximately 100 Blu-ray DVDs from Carmen Ayala-Torres, of 3268 N. Old Trail Road, Shamokin Dam, Jan. 18.

Two vehicle crash

MONROE TOWNSHIP - A Coal Township woman suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash on the North Susquehanna Trail at the intersection with Lori Lane at 7:45 a.m. Thursday.

State police at Selinsgrove report a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Christina M. Fischetti, 37, of Freeburg, was stopped in the left southbound lane of state routes 11 and 15 at the intersection with Lori Lane, while a 2007 GMC Envoy, driven by Desiree R. Ignaszewski, 21, of Coal Township, was also stopped behind Fischetti. Police say Ignaszewski traveled forward, striking the rear of Fischetti's car.

Ignaszewski suffered a minor injury in the crash, and was cited for following too closely.

Burns cross

ELIZABETHVILLE - State police at Lykens are continuing their search for the person(s) responsible for placing a two-foot cross on the front lawn of Ashley Yvette Brooks, of 249 Greenfield Estates, Elizabethville, and setting it on fire at 6 p.m. Jan. 22.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call state police at 717-362-8700.

Registration violation

KULPMONT - Patrolman David Tomtishen has charged April Lee Ortega, 41, of 727 Spruce St., Kulpmont, with unauthorized transfer or use of registration and altering a plate relating to a Dec. 4 traffic stop in the 900 block of Spruce Street.

Police reported Ortega, whose driver's license is suspended, had a fraudulent sticker on her license plate.

Angela C. Delucca to Jeanine M. Zeleznock for $77,500; Hazle Township.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Mark Janda for $99,889; Hazle Township.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Valerie Rushmere for $118,800; Hazle Township.

Presidential Land Co. LTD to Brian A. Morra and Julia B. Morra for $631,457; Rice Township.

Curtis H. Saxton to Erika Saxton and Brian P. Bower for $112,422; Huntington Township.

William J. Buckman to Dana L. Buckman for $135,000; Kingston Township.

Jean Dewees and Lillian Sacco to Strive Multisport Inc. for $350,000; Harveys Lake.

Thomas W. Dunn (administrator) and James Joseph Dunn (estate) to Jeffrey C. Metz and Susan M. Metz for $320,000; Harveys Lake.

Magan Singh and Neelam Magan to Aniello Pentangelo and Antoinette M. Pentangelo for $230,000; Laflin.

Jean S. Fox (per agent) and Jeffrey W. Fox (agent) to Miguel Sosa and Yesenia Sosa for $113,000; Wilkes-Barre.

Joan B. Plava (estate) and Mark L. Blockus and Joan Plava (estate) and Mark L. Blockus (executor) to Norman Leshinski and Cindy Leshinski for $145,000; Forty Fort.

Two-vehicle crash

MONROE TOWNSHIP - A Coal Township woman suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash on the North Susquehanna Trail at the intersection with Lori Lane at 7:45 a.m. Thursday.

State police at Selinsgrove report a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Desiree R. Ignaszewski, 21, of Coal Township, was stopped in the left southbound lane of state routes 11 and 15 at the intersection with Lori Lane, while a 2007 GMC Envoy, driven by Christina M. Fischetti, 37, of Coal Township, was also stopped behind the Corolla. Police said Fischetti traveled forward, striking the rear of Ignaszewski's car.

Ignaszewski suffered a minor injury in the crash, while Fischetti was cited for following too closely.

(The drivers were incorrectly identified in this release which appeared in Friday's edition. The correct version appears today.)

Woman injured

State police at Towanda said one person was injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred at 4:55 p.m. Jan. 9 on Route 414 in LeRoy Township.

Police said Sarah A. Brown, 33, of Berlin, N.J., who suffered a minor injury, was traveling west on Route 414, in the area of 8523 Route 414. While performing a three-point turn in the middle of Route 414, she backed her Oldsmobile Cutlass into a ditch along the western shoulder of the highway, police said. After impact, the vehicle came to final rest in the westbound shoulder area of Route 414, facing west, police said. Police said the vehicle was towed from the scene by Palmer's and Western Alliance EMS assisted at the scene.

Police said Brown was charged with "driving under the influence."

Mailbox struck

State police at Towanda said a vehicle struck a mailbox and went into a yard at 1:30 a.m. Jan. 18 on Lake Hill Road in Canton Township.

According to police, the unknown driver was traveling north on Route 154/Lake Hill Road. While traveling, the vehicle left the northbound lane of travel, struck a mailbox in the east shoulder, hit a ditch, and continued into a yard at 516 Lake Hill Rd., police said. After impact, the vehicle re-entered the lane of travel and continued north onto Route 154, fleeing the scene, police said. Police said the vehicle sustained front end damage and left its bumper in the yard.

Man not injured

State police at Towanda said no one was injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred at 5:15 a.m. Jan. 24 on Route 414/Cedar Ledge Road in Canton Township.

Police said Codey S. Grimaldi, 24, of Corning, N.Y., who was not injured, was traveling east along Route 414, as his Chevrolet Silverado began to traverse a right curve. According to police, he then lost control of the vehicle, which allowed it to slide off the roadway. Police said it then struck a tree on the roadside.

Man faces drug paraphernalia charge

State police at Towanda said Justin R. Laudenslager, 22, of Columbia Cross Roads was charged with one count of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor offense.

According to police, Laudenslager had drug paraphernalia hidden inside a residence on Coryland Road in Wells Township. Police said it was found by the homeowner sometime between Oct. 25-31.

Police said a criminal complaint was filed through District Court 42-3-01. According to court papers, he faces a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox at 1 p.m. Feb. 25.

No injuries reported in crash

State police at Towanda said no one was injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred at 1:15 p.m. Jan. 22 in South Creek Township.

Drivers involved in the crash were Chelsea L. Rouille, 21, of Horseheads, N.Y., and Benjamin J. Fausey, 32, of Elmira, N.Y., police said.

According to police, the crash occurred as Fausey, driving a Mercedes-Benz, was making a left-hand turn into the Smokin' Joe's parking lot off Route 14 while Rouille was traveling south on Route 14. Police said Rouille fell asleep behind the wheel and struck Fausey's vehicle in the front driver's side fender. Rouille continued over the oncoming lane of traffic into the parking lot of Smokin' Joe's, striking a store sign located near the parking lot. Rouille's Saturn SL1 came to final rest in the parking lot while Fausey's vehicle came to final rest facing south at the bottom of the parking lot.

Police said Rouille was charged with a "roadways laned" violation.

Guns taken

State police at Towanda said approximately 10 long guns were stolen from the residence of a 78-year-old Gillett man sometime between Jan. 3-18 on Berrytown Road in South Creek Township.

Police said an investigation continues and the two suspects are a 30-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man.

Man caught driving under the influence of marijuana

On Dec. 6, 2014, troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police performed a routine traffic stop on Matthew C. McLinko, 21, of Towanda and subsequently charged him with several offenses related to driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

As the trooper was in routine patrol on state Route 199 in Athens Borough he observed a vehicle traveling south with the right front headlight out. The trooper followed the vehicle to the area of Patton's Gas Station where a traffic stop was initiated. The trooper approach the driver and asked for his licensing information at which point he noticed that McLinko appeared to have bloodshot eyes and seemed very nervous. The trooper then observed in McLinko's left jacket pocket a clear plastic bag which he was asked to remove. Upon handing the bag to the officer it was observed to contain a green leafy substance which smelled of marijuana.

At this time the McLinko was asked to complete the standard battery of field sobriety testing, to which he performed at an unsatisfactory level. He was then placed under arrest and charged with the following: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI: controlled substance, DUI: General impairment, driving on roadways land for traffic, careless driving, and general lighting requirements. Charges were filed on Jan. 22 in the court of Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw. McLinko will return to face these charges that a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27.

Woman found asleep in car charged with DUI

Athens Township Police reported the arrest of Jennifer L. Olmstead, 34, of Nichols, N.Y., on Jan. 25, for driving under the influence of alcohol after finding her asleep in her car in the parking lot area of Tozer's Boat Landing.

An officer on routine patrol observed a running vehicle parked in the parking lot. He exited his vehicle to observe a female, later identified as Olmstead, asleep in the driver seat. The officer knocked on the window, yelled loudly and shined his flashlight in her face in an attempt to wake her. After approximately five minutes she opened her eyes. At this point the officer asked her to turn her vehicle off and she would not comply. He then reached inside the vehicle to turn the engine off. He then noticed that her movements were sluggish and unsteady and she was unable to answer simple questions. He also detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from her person. She stated she pulled into the boat landing because it was quiet and peaceful. She then refused the officer's request for field sobriety testing.

At this point the officer placed Olmstead under arrest and she was charged with DUI: general impairment. She was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Timothy Wilcox on Jan. 25 and released in lieu of $7,500 bail.

Careless driving results in DUI

Officers with the Athens Township Police Department reported of the arrest of Tara L. Smith, 24, of Athens for several offenses related to driving under the influence. The officer observed a vehicle, driven by Smith, drift away from the curve and over the center or yellow line several times. The officer then activated his emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop. As the officer asked her for her information he noticed she was being extremely careless with her cigarette and could not find any of the information related to her vehicle. The officer asked Smith if she lived at the address on her driver's license and she stated that she did not. At this time the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from her breath. Smith admitted to the officer that she had had a few drinks earlier in the night. Smith was asked to perform the standard battery of field sobriety tests which she failed to perform in a satisfactory manner.

Smith was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI: highest rate of alcohol, DUI: general impairment, driving on the right side of the roadway, and failure to notify for change of address. She is set to face Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27.

The Shamokin Police Department reported 3,615 crimes to the Uniform Crime Reporting System between 2005 and 2009 during the tenures of retired chiefs Richard Nichols and John Brown - Nichols for the first year, and Brown the next four. That's compared to 1,514, 58 percent less, under former Chief Edward Griffiths and current Chief Darwin Tobias III, who took over in May 2014.

Shamokin's total crimes reported during the last 10 years is 5,129. Coal Township tallied 5,871 during that time, a difference of 14.5 percent. The number of crimes per year reported for Shamokin ranged from a low of 261 in 2010 to a high of 933 in 2005, a difference of 72 percent. In the township during that time, the range was 463 to 837, a difference of 44.7 percent.

Shamokin reported 8.5 percent more crimes in the first five years compared to Coal Township, but 69.4 percent less in the last five years.

But the numbers are on the rise. The first four months of 2014 saw 74 crimes reported, a rate of 18.5 a month. The monthly rate for the last eight months rose to 38.5 with 308 total crimes reported. There were 27 crimes reported in January through the middle of last week.

Reached Friday, Griffiths defended the data, expressed pride in it, and said it was a testament to the work of the department's officers. Policing, he said, isn't only about reporting crime and making arrests; prevention is a major role, and that's not reflected in the figures.

Tobias said last week the figures weren't reflective of the amount of work being performed by officers. Mayor William D. Milbrand believes the data is inaccurate, and opposes suggestions to close the department overnight or end minimum staffing requirements.

- Eric Scicchitano

District Attorney Daniel J. Barrett reported the following recent criminal case resolutions in the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas, Towanda:

SENTENCED

Tyler L. Vanderpool, 20, Towanda, Pa., was sentenced to imprisonment in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility for 36 months to 10 years, fines, costs, restitution of $1,000, for the offense of Aggravated Indecent Assault, child victim. Vanderpool will be a registered sex offender for his lifetime. Trooper Sean Cooney of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Vanderpool following investigation of an incident that occurred in Monroe Township.

Steven Neilson, 44, Towanda, Pa., was sentenced to Probation supervision for a term of 24 months, fines, costs, restitution of $2,000, for the offense of two counts of Reckless Endangering, misdemeanors of the second degree, Disorderly Conduct, misdemeanor of the third degree, Interfering with Game Officer, a summary offense and Control of Property, also a summary offense. WCO Daniel Allen of the Pennsylvania Game Commission arrested Neilson for the offense on June 7, 2014.

Robert Hurlburt, 35, Canton, Pa., was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for 10 days to 12 months, fines, costs, restitution of $500, for the offense of Simple Assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Trooper Tyler Brackman of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Hurlburt following investigation of an incident that occurred in Canton Township on Sept. 7, 2014.

Michael Phillips, 44, Tunkhannock, Pa., was sentenced to Probation supervision for a term of 12 months, fines, of $300, plus court costs, for the offense of Retail Theft, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Officer John Fedorchak of the Athens Township Police Department arrested Phillips for the offense in June 2014.

James McIntyre, 53, Sayre, Pa., was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for 15 days (flat term), County Intermediate Punishment for 24 months; County Intermediate Punishment involves a combination of restrictions and supervision. It may include home confinement, electronic monitor, and substance abuse treatment. Violations can result in incarceration. McIntyre will pay fines, costs, restitutions of $300, plus costs, for the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Officer Jason Serfas of the Athens Township Police Department arrested McIntyre for the offense in May 2014.

Steven Wheeler, 24, Waverly, N.Y., was sentenced to imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for three months to 23 months, 29 days, fines, costs, restitution of $500.00, for the offense of Simple Assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Officer Travis Snyder of the Sayre Borough Police Department arrested Wheeler for the offense in March 2014.

GUILTY PLEAS

Daniel Grubb, 32, Ulster Twp., Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offenses of two counts of Corruption of Minors and one count of Indecent Assault, all misdemeanors of the first degree. Grubb will be sentenced following an investigation and report by the Probation Department and an evaluation by the Sexual Offender Assessment Board. The convictions will result in sex offender registration for 25 years. Trooper Nathan Lewis of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Grubb in September following an incident in Smithfield Township.

Paul B. Vanderpool, 26, Towanda, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor. Vanderpool will be sentenced following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Agents of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested Vanderpool following investigation of an incident that occurred in Athens Township on Jan. 31, 2014.

Adam Merkel, 40, Canton, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Harassment, a summary offense.

Merkel will be sentenced following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Sergeant Trey Kurtz of the Canton Borough Police Department arrested Merkel for the offense on June 28, 2013.

Barry Reese, 55, Wyalusing, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Disorderly Conduct, a summary offense. Reese was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for five days and a fine of $100. Trooper Caroline Rayeski of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Reese following investigation of an incident that occurred in Terry Township on Oct. 30, 2014.

Terry Reider, 45, Towanda, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor. Reider will be sentenced, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper William McDermott of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Reider following investigation of an incident that occurred in Monroe Township on May 18, 2014.

Karen Hagerman, 34, Towanda, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Theft, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Hagerman will be sentenced on March 12, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper William McDermott of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Hagerman following investigation of an incident that occurred in Wysox Township in October 2013.

Curtis Opdyke, 23, Troy, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor. Opdyke will be sentenced on Feb. 12, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper Robert Richter of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Opdyke following investigation of an incident that occurred in Troy Township on Feb. 1, 2014.

Kimberly Morse, 28, Monroeton, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Access Device Fraud, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Morse will be sentenced on March 12, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer Corey McClinko of the Towanda Borough Police Department arrested Morse for the offense on Sept. 11, 2014.

Joshua Moore, 27, Wysox, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Moore will be sentenced on March 12, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper Jeffrey Creedon of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Moore following investigation of an incident that occurred in Litchfield Township on Aug. 2, 2014.

David Terry, 34, Wyalusing, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Simple Assault, a misdemeanor of the third degree. Terry will be sentenced on March 5, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper Christopher Stecik of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Terry following investigation of an incident that occurred in Wyalusing Borough.

ACCELERATED REHABILITATIVE DISPOSITION (ARD)

Jerry Wells, 54, Towanda, Pa., charged with the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, was accepted into the ARD Program and placed on probation for a term of 12 months. While on probation, Wells will be subject to supervision by the Bradford County Probation Department, which supervision will include monitoring for drug or alcohol use. Additionally, Wells must perform community service with the DUI Litter Brigade and attend a Victim Impact Panel as conditions of ARD placement; he will also lose his Pennsylvania driving privilege for 60 days. Sergeant David Lantz of the Towanda Borough Police Department filed the charges in September 2014, for the offense in Towanda Borough.

Crash

MILTON - A Bloomsburg man escaped injury in a rollover crash Tuesday south of Milton in West Chillisquaque Township.

State police at Milton reported Sunday that Patrick F. Anderson, 28, was driving a 2003 Saturn Ion south on Route 147 near Route 405 when about 7:10 a.m., he lost control on the icy roadway while rounding a left curve. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a small tree and rolled onto its roof.

Anderson was cited for violating the traffic code, driving vehicle at safe speed. The vehicle was towed.

Joseph M. Sterba, Michael P. Sterba and Maureen T. Siglin to Donna M. Javick and Jessica M. Johns for $91,500; Wilkes-Barre.

Rose Hernandez, Marcos Hernandez and Marcos Hernandez Gonzalez to Alexander Kapral for $83,000; Kingston Township.

Daniel J. Geraghty and Kathleen D. Geraghty to N.P. Dodge Jr. (trustee) and trust between National Equity Inc. and N.P. Dodge Jr. for $240,750; Jackson Township.

N.P. Dodge Jr. (trustee) and trust between National Equity Inc. and N.P. Dodge Jr. to Raymond E. Elick and Tracy L. Elick for $235,000; Jackson Township.

Bryant L. Barbush to Adam J. Maslo for $77,500; Freeland.

Man charged with terroristic threats

Matthew Emmett Sanders, 37, of Wyalusing, faces a preliminary hearing at 3:30 p.m. today before Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton of Wysox on charges of terroristic threats and harassment for an incident that took place at approximately 5 p.m. Dec. 22 on Homets Ferry Road in Wyalusing Township, according to court papers filed with Wheaton's office.

According to an affidavit, Sanders is accused of calling a cell phone and stating to the victims, "you better talk to me before I burn down the house and slit all your guys' throats."

Police said several attempts were made to interview Sanders, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

Sanders was sent a summons.

Man faces hearing on drug paraphernalia charge

Chad Allen Fassett, 32, of Wyalusing faces a preliminary hearing at 1:15 p.m. today before Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton of Wysox on drug paraphernalia charges for an incident that occurred at approximately 2:19 p.m. Jan. 7 at a residence on State Route 706 in Wyalusing Township, according to court papers.

The papers note that Fassett is charged with the use, or possessing with the intent to use, drug paraphernalia, namely one hypodermic syringe and one multi-colored/silver smoking pipe, and summary disorderly conduct.

In an affidavit, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper William Patrick McDermott said that he responded to the location to assist Bradford County Children and Youth Services with checking the welfare of children living at the residence. Upon arrival, the trooper was informed that Fassett exited through a rear window and ran into the woods.

The trooper and a corporal found Fassett a short time later, hiding behind a tree in the woods behind the residence. A records query confirmed that Fassett was wanted for an outstanding warrant. Then, Fassett was taken into custody for the active warrant issued against him. While conducting a pat-down search of Fassett, McDermott discovered a hypodermic syringe and a silver/multi-colored smoking pipe, with burnt marijuana residue inside, in his right front pocket.

According to the affidavit, Fassett admitted he uses the syringe to shoot up, but did not realize he had the pipe in his pocket.

Crash

COAL TOWNSHIP - William McAndrew, of Mount Carmel, escaped injury after his vehicle slid from Route 901 near Industrial Park Road and collided with a fence shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday.

His vehicle was towed from the scene by Joe's Auto Body.

Hit and run

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township police are asking for information in locating a blue vehicle, possibly a Volkswagen, with damage to the driver side front tire and quarter panel area after it was involved in a hit-and-run accident early Sunday morning on the 1600 block of Tioga Street.

The vehicle was traveling west on Tioga Street when it struck a parked 2004 Toyota, pushing it into a 2009 Chevrolet, police said. The suspect vehicle left the scene of the accident.

The Toyota sustained moderate damage to the driver side wheel area and was towed from the scene of the accident, police said. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage to the front bumper area.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact the Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Joseph Victor Kolasa, 40, of 461 Tamarack Road, Renovo, was charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence and summary counts of accidents to unattended property, reckless driving, careless driving and driving with a licenses suspended for a previous DUI by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Keith Tamborelli after he allegedly struck a guard rail on Route 54 near Natalie in the early morning hours of Oct. 10.

Tamborelli said an EMS unit from Schuylkill County found Kolasa sitting in his vehicle with the lights on in the parking lot of Superior Oil. Kolasa refused treatment and EMS contacted police.

When Tamborelli pulled up, Kolasa exited his vehicle and began walking in front of it. Kolasa appeared intoxicated but refused a field sobriety test and a blood test. Several open containers were in the vehicle and one was in the cup holder.

Kolasa told Tamborelli he had not been driving but Tamborelli found keys to the vehicle in the area where Kolasa had been walking in front of the car.

Kolasa said he didn't remember any guard rails and his car had a tire blow out. Tamborelli said debris from Kolasa's vehicle was all over the roadway in the location where the accident occurred.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Alexia Lauren Wheary, 19, of 1529 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, was charged with a misdemeanor count of DUI and summary offenses of failing to yield for an emergency vehicle, trespass by motor vehicle, careless driving and underage drinking by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Keith Tamborelli after the officer said he found her driving while intoxicated on a logging road posted with no trespassing signs near Brennan's Farm Road around 2 a.m. on Oct. 12.

Tamborelli said Wheary attempted to flee in her vehicle after he activated his emergency lights and signals. Other police joined in the pursuit and used their vehicles to box her in. She was taken to the Shamokin Police Station where she failed field sobriety tests. Her mother came to pick her up, police said.

Theft, criminal conspiracy

MOUNT CARMEL - Brian William Wolfe, 32, of 837 Chestnut St., Apt. 3, Kulpmont, and David J. Swatski Jr., 32, of 126 S. Main St., Herndon, were each charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property and a summary offense of criminal trespass by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Matthew Filarski for allegedly stealing metal from Mallard Contracting Company Inc. at around 11 a.m. Jan 5.

Filarski said an employee of Mallard Contracting Co. witnessed a dark-colored Subaru on the property with two males loading metal into their vehicle. A receipt from Jeff's Recycling showed Wolfe had sold 600 pounds of steel for $63 on Jan. 8. Wolfe also owned a black Subaru matching the employee's description, police said.

Filarski said Wolfe admitted to stealing the metal and taking it to Jeff's Recycling Center and identified Swatski as his co-conspirator.

Swatski denied involvement but was identified by an employee at Jeff's Recycling Center as being in the vehicle during the sale of the metal and was shown standing at the sale window on surveillance footage.

Wolfe was also charged with trespass by motor vehicle for driving the car on land posted with no trespassing signs. The metal taken was valued at $1,435.20.

Bad checks

MOUNT CARMEL - Jessica Lynn Kemper, 44, of 331 E. Third St., Mount Carmel, was charged with a misdemeanor count of writing bad checks by Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush for allegedly writing a check to Mostik Disposal for $275 on June 3 without enough funds in her account.

Hollenbush said he became involved with the incident after Kemper failed to complete the District Attorney's Advent Bad Check Program and has not contributed any money toward the deficit.

DUI, drug paraphernalia

MOUNT CARMEL - Tyler Abraham Heitzman, 29, 680 Hebe Bypass Road, Herndon, was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Matthew Filarski with two counts of driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, failure to obey traffic signals and violating the open container law for an incident that occurred at around 3 a.m. Dec. 21 in Locust Summit.

Filarski said Heitzman failed to stop for a red light on Route 901. Police said Heitzman smelled of alcohol and failed multiple field sobriety tests. An open bottle of Woodchuck hard cider and a multi-color glass smoking device were inside the vehicle.

A blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .127 percent.

Underage drinking

SHAMOKIN - Michael Shinskie, 20, of 720 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, was charged with disorderly conduct and underage drinking after he allegedly disturbed the neighborhood and threw a snowball at a neighbor's door at around 6:30 a.m. Monday.

Police said Shinskie admitted to consuming alcohol.

Florida man faces burglary charges

A Florida man has been charged with burglary; criminal trespass; theft by unlawful taking; receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of automobiles after he had allegedly stolen a 2006 Jeep Wrangler from a residence on Feb. 1 in Towanda Township.

According to state police, Jeffrey Allen Martin, 42, entered a residence belonging to a 39-year-old male and 36-year-old female without their knowledge and stole the vehicle from the property. A 57-year-old female was with Allen at the time of the theft, and said she was told by Martin that the residence and vehicle belonged to him. As a result, no charges were filed against her.

Martin was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw and remanded to the Bradford County Correctional Facility in lieu of $200,000 bail. A preliminary hearing has been tentatively scheduled to take place on Feb. 11.

Stolen checks under investigation

According to Laporte state police, between Jan. 19 and Jan. 28, several checks belonging to a Dushore man were stolen and at least one was cashed at a local business without the victim's permission.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Laporte state police.

Public drunkenness occurs in Dushore

According to Laporte state police, James Sherwood, age not given, of Dushore, appeared in public on Jan. 30 in the Dushore Borough under the influence of alcohol to such a degree that he endangered himself and others.

A non-traffic citation was filed against Sherwood through the Sullivan County District Magistrate's office.

Police investigating harassment

Laporte state police are investigating an incident of harassment that occurred on Jan. 16 in Cherry Township in Sullivan County.

According to police, David Meyers, age not given, of New Albany made a threat of physical violence to another New Albany man. Meyers was cited for harassment through the Sullivan County District Magistrate's office. The investigation is to continue.

Man charged following crash

A Benton man was uninjured following a crash that occurred on Jan. 30 in Colley Township in Sullivan County.

According to Laporte state police, Eric Stabley, 22, was driving a 1998 Chevrolet S10 north on State Route 487 when the vehicle veered from its lane and traveled over an embankment.

Stabley was charged with driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed.

New Albany man violates registration requirements

According to state police, Kevin Jayne, 29, of New Albany failed to appear for one of his semi-annual verification periods between Jan. 3 and Jan. 12 as required by sexual offenders registration requirements.

Jayne was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw on Jan. 28 and released on non-monetary bail.

No injuries reported in three vehicle crash

No injuries were reported in a three vehicle crash that occurred on Jan. 28 in Wysox Township.

According to state police, Harry Devine Jr., 28, of Athens was driving a 1999 Dodge Neon when he struck a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old female that was stopped in front of him, which pushed that vehicle into a third vehicle that was driven by a 22-year-old female.

Devine was charged with driving at an unsafe speed as a result of the crash.

Prestige Development Group LLC to Charles J. McFadden for $302,000; Dallas Township.

Jamie L. Nairn to Jason A. Fuge for $145,000; Butler Township.

Alice Majeski to Thomas S. Studenroth Jr. for $150,000; Edwardsville.

Mary Ann Yale to Iqbal Ahmed Mohammed Riaz Khan Galib and Danielle Yvette Cossen for $80,000; Wilkes-Barre.

Jamie J. Sterling and Tara Sterling to Carl B. Schwab and Dolores A. Schwab for $143,000; Hanover Township.

James L. Martin and Marla J. Martin to John R. Dennis Jr. and Joanne H. Dennis for $116,000; Courtdale.

George J. Hayden and Florence L. Hayden to Mary Beth Hayden for $720,000; Butler Township.

Antoinette M. Simchick to Richard W. Johns Jr. for $160,000; Fairmount Township.

Amie M. D’Angelo and Amie M. D’Angelo-Yanac to Matthew J. Detrick for $100,000; Butler Township.

Patrick Joseph Lyons III to David F. Diaz and Brittany M. Henkle for $77,885; West Wyoming.

Wade E. Schmaltz to Kevin L. Mullery for $174,000; Union Township.

Senior Judge Chester B. Muroski, presiding over Luzerne County Domestic Relations Contempt Court on Wednesday, ordered the following defendants to be jailed for failure to pay child support:

Walter Howell Jr., 20 Brookside St., Wilkes-Barre; 44 days, $2,393 in two cases.

Brett Weidow, Apt. 12a, East Main Street, Glen Lyon; 30 days, $1,940.

Richard J. Retzna, 576 Gibson Ave., Kingston; 30 days $1,303.

Warrants were issued for the following defendants:

Rafael Rodriquez, Apt. 3, 221 W. Tamarack St., Hazleton; $9,469 in two cases.

Heather Hoffmaster 29 S. Pinetree Road, Hazleton; $354.

Matthew Cefalo, 30 Fairway Drive, West Pittston; $4,006.

Clinton Cooper, 167 Hontz Road, Shickshinny; $739.

Chris Planutis, 4194 Hollywood Blvd, Hazle Township; $954.

Luis Roman, 785 Peace St., Hazleton; $195.

Robert Newman, 63 Park Place, Kingston; $2,168.

Cory Harvey, 205 Eagle Lane, Harvey’s Lake; $3,598.

John Vetter, 134 Vine St., Plymouth; $15,450.

John Longfoot, 396 Dana St., Wilkes-Barre; $226.

Michael Holena, 230 Apollo Circle, Nanticoke;$2,057.

Susan Bednar (executrix) and Mary P. Pikul (estate) and Mary Parsons Pikul (estate) and Jamie Ricciardi and Jamie Pikul Ricciardi to Larry Kasper and Elaine Kasper for $172,000; Kingston Township.

Richard Calvert and Milissa Calvert to Kenneth D. Morris and Sinead Christine Geary for $179,000; Dallas Township.

Gregory E. Fellerman and Tonia R. Fellerman to Raymond S. Kruk to $155,000; Wilkes-Barre.

Edward J. Rogan to Thomas E. Rogan and Joseph P. Rogan Jr. for $90,000; Jenkins Township.

Darlene Farber (co-executrix) and Tammy Soreth (co-executrix) and Helen Savage (estate) and Helen Marie Savage (estate) to Lisa Inglese and Jason L. Inglese for $73,000; Bear Creek Township.

Earth Conservancy to Falling Creek Investments for $130,000; Hanover Township.

Police Briefs

Woman charged for false alarm

On Feb. 3, state police responded to a residential alarm at the residence of Elaine Ephlin, 66, in Standing Stone Township. Upon arrival, police discovered that it was a false alarm - the fourth false alarm at that location in a consecutive 12-month period.

Police determined that, as a result, a violation had occurred and charges were filed through District Court 42-3-04.

Police investigating alleged rape

State police are investigating an incident of alleged rape that occurred sometime in December in North Towanda Township.

According to police, an 8-year-old male and a 15-year-old female were sexually assaulted by a person known to them.

Rubbish scattered

State police at Mansfield said a Troy woman is accused of scattering rubbish sometime between 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Jan. 29 in Sullivan Township, Tioga County, Pa.

According to police, SherryAnn C. Levindoski, 46, of Troy, threw a shopping bag of aluminum cans onto the property of Robert C. Bradford, 57, of Mainesburg.

The property is located along Bradford Road.

Corruption of minors

State police at Towanda said they are investigating a report of inappropriate contact involving a 15-year-old Ulster girl that occurred when she was 10-11 years old in the summer of 2010-11 in Burlington Township, by someone known to her.

Fugitive from justice

State police at Towanda said Dakotak Gernard Anthony, 27, of Gillett, was taken into custody and charged as a fugitive from justice at 9:23 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Bradford County Correctional Facility.

Police said it was learned that Anthony was visiting someone, and had an active warrant for his arrest out of New York State.

Man taken into custody

State police at Towanda said Carlton Edward Heasley Jr., 33, of Gillett, was taken into custody Jan. 27, while he was being released from the Bradford County Correctional Facility in West Burlington Township.

Police said it was found that Heasley had an active warrant issued for his arrest out of New York State. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy.

No one injured

State police at Towanda said Breanne M. Mosher, 25, of Canton, was not injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred at 6:16 p.m. Jan. 31 on Route 14 in South Creek Township.

Police said she was traveling south on Route 14, just south of Ketchum Road, and saw a deer in the roadway. She tried to swerve around it, but struck the deer and her Nissan Pathfinder became disabled. After impact, the vehicle came to a final rest in the southbound shoulder of Route 14, facing south.

Two passengers in her vehicle were not injured, police said.

Drug charges

SHAMOKIN - Bryan S. Hornberger III, 21, of 417 S. Coal St., Shamokin, was charged by Cpl. Bryan Primerano with felonies of possession with intent to deliver Spice and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor of possession of Spice.

The charges were filed in connection with an incident Friday morning at Hornberger's residence, where police found a plastic bag containing Spice and a cellphone allegedly used to make drug transactions.

DUI charge

COAL TOWNSHIP - Janie Ann Sanders, 36, of 401 Webster St., Ranshaw, was charged by Patrolman Edward Purcell with driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and careless driving relating to a Jan. 16 incident in the 1100 block of West Water Street.

Police said Sanders had Clonazepam, Amino Clonazepam, Alprazolam, Oxycodone-free, Duloxetine and Diphenhydramine in her blood system while operating a vehicle erratically shortly after 4 p.m.

Hit-run, DUI

SHAMOKIN - Charles H. Backes, 54, of 870 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, was charged by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes with driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run and careless driving involving an accident in the first block of West Arch Street early Friday.

Backes, who police say refused to submit to a blood test, allegedly hit a parked vehicle with his truck at about 3:30 a.m. before leaving the scene. Backes was stopped by Rhodes a short time later.

Phone lease unpaid

COAL TOWNSHIP - Cpl. Terry Ketchem has charged Christian D. Krych, 20, of 156 E. Independence St., Apt. 3B, Shamokin, with theft of leased property.

Police reported Krych failed to pay $699 for a mobile phone he leased Oct. 17 from Rent-A-Center Inc. at the Plaza at Coal Township.

Fugitive caught

COAL TOWNSHIP - Gerald R. Barnhart, 47, of 343 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, who is wanted in Mississippi, was taken into custody by Patrolman David Sage following a traffic stop at 5:20 p.m. Friday on Route 61 at Tharptown.

Police said Barnhart, whose Pennsylvania driver's license was suspended, was charged by Sage with being a fugitive from justice. Police said he violated his probation conditions in Mississippi.

Guilty pleas

n SHAMOKIN - Cody Hlavaty, 20, of 227 W. Willow St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.

His sentence will run concurrent to any other sentence he is serving.

Hlavaty was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Nov. 24 incident at Shamokin Police Station.

n SHAMOKIN - Jose Carlos Santiago, 32, of 1219 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a summary of harassment and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $200 fine plus costs.

Additional charges of simple assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct were withdrawn.

Santiago was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II with assaulting his former girlfriend, Xlomara Alvarado, of 20 E. Lincoln St., and smashing multiple items inside her home Nov. 25.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

George Andrews and Andrea A. Andrews to John D. Longo for $80,000; Hazleton.

Dennis Lindner (executor) and Charles D. Shaw IV (estate) to Joseph F. Castellino and Joann H. Castellino for $230,000; Bear Creek Villiage.

Samuel Falcone (co-partner) and Leonard Falcone (co-partner) Angelo Falcone (co-partner) and Cone Realty Company to Northeast Eagle Distributors Inc for $285,000; Jenkins Township.

Thomas R. Nardone to William James Dotzel Jr. for $145,000; Plains Township.

George E. Lucas and Barbara A. Lucas to Lucas Development LLC for $196,500; Hazleton.

Nichole Payne and Christine Book to Daniel J. Olzinski for $300,000; Hazle Township.

Michael A. Petrochko and Paula Jean Petrochko to James Barna and Janell Barna for $185,000; Nanticoke.

Cynthia Burczy and Paulette M. Platukis for $157,000; Butler Township.

DUI

WEST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - Justin M. Russell, 33, of 316 Trevorton Road, Shamokin, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving a vehicle at safe speed and careless driving following a Dec. 20 accident on Lower Road.

Trooper David Boucher, of the Stonington State Police barracks reported in court documents Russell allegedly told police he drank a 12-pack of beer before driving. Blood testing showed his blood alcohol level to be .175 percent.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 4.

Hindering arrest

KULPMONT - Two counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution were filed against Alonzo F. Watts, 49, of 1025 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, by borough police.

Kulpmont Police Chief Michael Pitcavage reported in court documents Watts allegedly lied to police when identifying his son, Diondre Watts, calling him by a different name knowing Diondre had several warrants against him.

A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 25 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Mount Carmel.

Two cited for fight

SHAMOKIN - Alexander Spence, 23, of 242 S. Pearl St., Shamokin, and a 17-year-old Shamokin male were cited for disorderly conduct and harassment after the two engaged in a fight at Spence's residence at 11:09 a.m. Wednesday. The citation was filed by Shamokin Police Patrolman Raymond Siko II.

Harassment

PILLOW - State police are investigating incidents of harassment by a man from Texas toward a village woman.

State police at Lykens said Jennifer Andino, 30, of Pillow, received several texts, calls and emails from a known 49-year-old male from Texas between 2:30 and 6 a.m. Wednesday. Andino told police the male has done this on numerous occasions and she had asked him to stop several times.

ATM card theft

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Police charged Bradley J. Hine, 18, of 2103 Airport Road, Elysburg, with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and access device fraud after a Dec. 12 incident at his residence.

Police reported in court documents Hine allegedly took his mother's ATM card from her vehicle's glove compartment and tried to remove $80 from the account. The ATM confiscated the card after three unsuccessful attempts.

The charges were filed by township police Patrolman Chris Dailey with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25.

Harassment

SHAMOKIN - Jose C. Santiago, 32, of 1219 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, was cited for harassment by Patrolman Raymond Siko II after an incident Nov. 25, when he allegedly struck and shoved Xionna Alvarado, 32, of Shamokin, at a Lincoln Street residence.

DUI

ATLAS - Thomas F. Kruskie, 53, of 126 E. Columbia Ave., faces DUI charges after an incident at his residence Dec. 5.

According to court documents filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Brian Carnuccio, Kruskie took a pickup truck owned by his son, Tyler Kruskie, without permission. Police found Thomas Kruskie in Mount Carmel Borough and took him into custody.

At the township police station, Kruskie became belligerent, telling police he wouldn't take any tests and saying he could beat them up if he didn't have the handcuffs on.

Carnuccio charged Kruskie with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and driving while operating privilege is suspended. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - James Abney, 20, of Shamokin, was cited for retail theft by township police for allegedly stealing $119.60 worth of food from Walmart while employed there.

DUI

STRONG - Eric R. McAndrew, 29, of 1241 Poplar St., Kulpmont, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, driving on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving after a traffic stop in Strong at 2:39 a.m. Nov. 15.

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell reported in court documents a Ralpho Township officer observed McAndrew operating a vehicle that was straddling the center line of Route 61 and driving at a slow rate of speed. Campbell was called to the scene and administered field sobriety tests, which McAndrew allegedly failed.

McAndrew was taken for chemical testing, which showed his blood alcohol level to be .237 percent.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 4.

Guilty plea

MOUNT CARMEL - Gerald R. Barnhart, 47, of 343 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $200 fine and court costs after pleading guilty to a charge of misbranding a controlled substance in a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, Wednesday.

The charges were filed by Kulpmont Police Patrolman David Tomtishen following a traffic stop in the area of Second and Chestnut streets, Kulpmont, July 20.

Charges of altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, exceeding maximum speed limits, driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving without required financial responsibility were withdrawn in the case.

Mary Ellen Blazewski to Joseph P. Adamchak and Susanne E. Adamchak for $206,000; Bear Creek Township.

Mary Louise Weidlich to Valerie D. Lower for $71,900; Wilkes-Barre.

Robert P. Considine to Chester Frank Dudick for $108,000; Hanover Township.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania to Stake MT LLC for $160,000; Wright Township.

Carmine Briguglio and Carolyn Briguglio to Fevzi Akinci and Ayse Akinci for $301,000; Butler Township.

MAT Properties Inc to HP101 LLC for $175,000; Plains Township.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Geisla Batista for $100,000; Butler Township.

Madelene Robinet to Martyn Harding and Lisa Stuart for $158,000; Penn Lake Park.

Mark Hanlon and James A. Hanlon to SMJO Enterprise LLC for $310,000; Fairview Township.

Wellsboro man faces charges of fraud

A Wellsboro man has been charged with home improvement fraud; theft by deception and receiving stolen property following an incident that took place from August 2013 through January 2014.

According to information filed by police with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Charles Edward Carr, 33, entered into a written contract with an Ulster couple to make extensive repairs to their barn. The work was to begin immediately after signing the contract in August 2013 and be completed by the first week of January 2014 for the agreed total of $21,850. Over that time frame, minimal work was done to the barn, despite the victims making a down payment to begin repairs, as well as continued bi-weekly payments as agreed upon in the contract.

In April 2014, according to police, the victims sent Carr a certified letter requesting that he finish the repairs as agreed or return the money that was given to him to purchase materials, which amounted to $8,500. Carr replied via text message, stating that he was sick and unable to work, but would get another contractor to finish the work and have the materials delivered. However, a new contractor never came and materials were never delivered. To date, the victims have paid Carr $14,000.

Carr was arraigned before District Judge Michael Shaw and a non-monetary bail was set. A preliminary hearing was rescheduled to Feb. 20.

Simple assault charges filed for three women

Two Towanda women and a Wysox woman were charged with simple assault and harassment following an incident that occurred on Nov. 15 in Towanda.

According to information filed by police with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, the female victim entered Finlan's Tavern and was advised by a male that she was going to get "jumped." At that time, Crystal Potter, 42, of Towanda approached the victim and punched her in the face and grabbed her hair. The victim grabbed Potter's hair in an attempt to defend herself and they both fell to the floor. It was at this point that two other women, Alyssa Churee Rowe, 23, of Towanda and Alexis Christine Rowe, 21, of Wysox, joined the assault by striking the victim with their fists and kicking her.

All three women have been summoned for preliminary hearings scheduled for March 11.

Man charged with theft

William Edward Finnerty, 29, of Conklin, N.Y. faces a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. Feb. 11 before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy on charges of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, and "persons not to possess/use/manufacture, control, sell, transfer firearms" for an incident that took place at approximately 6:30 p.m. June 15 on South Calaman Lane in Columbia Township, according to court papers.

The papers note that Finnerty is charged with the theft of a black Ruger P95 semi-automatic handgun belonging to Clifton Roy Heasley, no age given, of Columbia Township.

Wilcox said Finnerty had his preliminary arraignment Feb. 2. His bail was set at $65,000 and was not posted, and he was placed in Bradford County Correctional Facility.

Man faces hearing on drug charges

Levi Jacob Cole, 19, of Canton, faces two preliminary hearings Feb. 25 before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy on drug and drug paraphernalia charges, according to court papers.

Cole was charged for knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled or counterfeit substance, namely marijuana, and using, or possessing with the intent to use, drug paraphernalia. Canton police were made aware of the situation on Jan. 14 and Jan. 27.

Wilcox said Cole was sent a summons by certified mail.

Man faces multiple charges

Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police reported the arrest of 23-year-old, Scott D. Allis of Wysox, after he was reportedly seen leaving a Wysox Township Dandy Mini Mart driving a vehicle with no rear running lights activated.

On Dec. 31, troopers followed the GMC pickup truck, driven by Allis, after leaving the parking lot, and subsequently initiated a traffic stop. As the trooper ran the plate numbers of the vehicle, he was notified that the registration had been expired for more than 8 months. The trooper then went to speak with the driver, Allis, who immediately announced that he did not have a valid license. As he was speaking with Allis, the trooper detected a noticeable odor of alcohol emitting from the cab of the truck. Allis did admit to the trooper that he has consumed "a couple," of alcoholic beverages before entering the vehicle to drive to the Dandy Mini Mart.

Allis was then asked to exit the vehicle and perform the standard battery of field sobriety tests; which he could not complete in a satisfactory manner.

Allis was subsequently charged with: DUI: general impairment, registration requirements, driving with a suspended license, careless driving, and failure to maintain general lighting equipment.

He was arrested, charged and processed at the State Police Barracks in Towanda on Jan. 19 and will receive an accelerated DUI preliminary hearing with Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton.

Pellet gun assault

On Dec. 27, Athens Borough Police officers took a statement from a victim at the emergency Department of Robert Packer Hospital, who alleged that 21-year-old, Austin J. Hoyt, had shot him in the head with a pellet gun.

Officers later interviewed Hoyt, who told them that the shot were an accidental discharge which occurred as a result of a struggle. The victim and another witness gave statements conflicting Hoyt's version of events. As a result of an investigation, officers charged Hoyt on Jan. 6, with one misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person.

Theft from vehicle

On Dec. 16, a victim in Alpine Meadows Campground in Stevens Township reported a theft of an in-dash DVD player as well as an undisclosed amount of money from a motor vehicle. The suspect took the items and then fled in an unknown direction. Anyone with information into this crime is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at (570) 265-2186.

Burglary

Pennsylvania State Police took a report of a burglary which occurred between Oct. 26 and Dec. 7 at a seasonal property on Snow Road in Litchfield Township. Unknown suspects entered the victim's property, damaging the door and several windows, before fleeing the area. Anyone with information into this crime is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at (570) 265-2186.

Two charged after welfare check of children

Pennsylvania State Troopers reported to a residence on State Route 706 in Stevens Township on Dec. 17, to assist Bradford County Children and Youth Services in checking the welfare of the the children living at the residence. Upon their arrival, Marilyn Mosher, 31 of Wyalusing, greeted them at the door and allowed the authorities inside the residence. As they entered, a strong odor of marijuana was detected throughout the home, which increased as they made their way through the residence, into the kitchen.

At this time, Mosher admitted that she had just smoked marijuana, but that she had no more. A multicolored glass bong was observed in plain view and a glass smoking pipe was subsequently discovered on the floor of the children's bedroom.

Mosher relayed to the authorities that the items belonged to herself and her husband, Allen H. Mosher, 25 of Wyalusing.

The items were seized and both individuals were charged on Dec. 22 with possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. They appeared before Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton for a preliminary hearing, where each pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly conduct and the other charge was dismissed.

Unauthorized credit card charges result in theft arrest

On Jan. 6, officers with the Sayre Borough Police Department arrested 21-year-old Waverly resident, Dylan C. Brown, after receiving a report of multiple occurrences of theft from Howie's Pizza, occurring during the month of October 2014.

The complainant stated to police that Brown had used a "NetSpend" credit card on multiple occasions to purchase food and gift cards. The said card was allowing charges to go through to the merchant company, all the while without having any monetary value to pay for the charges.

The total amount of "chargebacks" on the card totaled $2,987.54.

When later interviewed by police, Brown alleged that the card was used as his primary source of money, as his paycheck was usually direct deposited it, on Wednesday of each week. He then stated he receives overdraft notices in the form of text messages on his cell phone, but that the messages came two to three days after the purchases.

Brown admitted to officers that he was aware he owed Howie's $100, but was unaware the card hadn't paid for the other transactions.

A fax from NetSpend, sent to the Sayre police, showed that after Oct. 5, the card had several overdraft fees and purchases resulting in a negative balance of $98.73. Brown then continued to make purchases with the card and by the end of the month of October, Brown has charged $2,987.54 worth of just Howie's purchases.

Brown was charged with one felony count of theft by deception by false impression and one felony count of access device fraud (unauthorized by device holder or issuer.) He will answer to the charges at a preliminary hearing with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw on Feb. 10.