Criminal trespass reported
State police are investigating a case of criminal trespass that occurred recently in Sullivan County.
According to state police at Laporte, Joseph Rooker, 37, of Muncy Valley, has been charged with the above offense on Dec. 4. Rooker is accused of entering the Wenonah Falls Farm Hunting Club in Hunting Township around 3:30 p.m. which is posted as private property. The property is owned by Scott Eberlin, 48, of Dushore.
Police said their investigation into the incident is continuing.
Criminal trespass occurs
A Dushore man has been accused by state police of criminal trespass for allegedly hunting recently on posted private property.
According to police, Terry Gernert, 68, has been charged with the above offense following an incident that occurred on Dec. 1. Gernert is accused of entering the seasonal property of Donald Diorio, 66, of Caristadt, N.J., around 8:16 a.m.
State police filed a citation against Gernert at the district justice's office in Sullivan County.
Minor injury suffered
One person suffered a minor injury recently when a two-vehicle accident occurred on U.S. Route 6 at the intersection of James Street in North Towanda Township.
According to state police, Dale R. Bird, 41, of Troy, was driving a 2004 Ford Expedition west on Route 6 on Nov. 26 around 11:20 a.m. As the Ford approached the intersection, the report continued, it struck the front of a 2010 Toyota RAV4 operated by John M. Cook, 67, of Rome, who had stopped his vehicle at the intersection waiting to pull out onto Route 6. After the impact the Ford came to rest in the westbound lane of Route 6, while the Toyota was pushed up over a curb where it came to rest in the front parking lot of a business located at the corner of Route 6 and James Street.
A passenger in the Toyota, Jennie L. Cook of Rome, suffered a minor injury from the accident. Police said Bird was cited for driving too fast for conditions. The Troy Memorial Ambulance assisted at the scene.
Suspicious person spotted in Wysox
State police are investigating an incident of a suspicious person being spotted recently in Wysox.
According to police, the incident occurred at a private residence on Dec. 3 around 2:50 p.m. The man is described as about 60 years old, with gray hair, wearing a black leather jacket, black shirt and pants, and clean shaven. The man was driving an early 2000s blue GMC SUV with tinted windows, police reported.
According to the report, the incident occurred when the man in question arrived at a residence, in which he spoke to the home owner and invited himself inside. Once inside, the report continued, the man began asking inappropriate questions about the next door neighbor. The man claimed he sells "dog insurance" for pets. It was reported that the man did not provide any credentials or appear to have any legitimate purpose for the visit. He was told the leave the residence by the owner, and he did. When last seen, the man was heading east in his vehicle.
Anyone with further information about the man is requested to contact the state police at (570) 265-2186.
Man charged with theft
A Towanda man has been charged with theft following an incident that occurred in North Towanda on Dec. 1.
According to state police, Joseph Lee Pierce, 31, has been accused of the above offense. Police said Pierce is accused of stealing packages belonging to Amanda Lynne Tunnicliff, 33, of Towanda. Tunnicliff informed the police that she was anticipating the delivery of packages from UPS at her residence. When she checked online, Tunnicliff explained, she determined that the packages had been delivered, but she was unable to locate them. Tunnicliff informed the police that a neighbor informed her Pierce took the packages from her front porch, and ran away to his residence.
Police said they contacted Pierce, who admitted to taking the packages.
Burglary investigated
State police investigated a burglary that occurred recently at a private residence in Standing Stone Township.
According to police, the incident occurred at the residence of Christopher George, 29, of Easton at his residence on Rummerfield Creek Road. Police said the perpetrators gained access to the residence through the back door. No items were reported taken. The incident occurred between 3 p.m. on Nov. 17 and noon on Nov. 28.
Police said their investigation into the incident is continuing. Anyone with information about the burglary is requested to contact the state police at (570) 265-2186.
Man charged with simple assault
A Dushore man was arrested by state police recently on a charged of simple assault.
According to police, Brett Eberlin, 29, was cited for the above offense on Dec. 2. Eberlin is accused of striking a 29-year-old female in the mouth at a private residence during a domestic dispute, injuring her in the process. Eberlin was taken into custody and placed in the Columbia County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Minor injury reported
A minor injury was reported when a four-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Route 6 recently, near Pennsylvania Avenue.
According to state police, Ryan M. Grinde, 24, of Wyalusing, was driving a 2012 Ford F-150 east on Route 6 on Nov. 25 around 3:40 p.m. Police said Grinde failed to stop his vehicle in time, causing it to crash into the back of a 2004 Ford Escape operated by Gayle E. Schmeckenbecher, 49, of Wysox, which was stopped on the road at the time. The Ford in turn was pushed into the rear of 2010 GMC Terrain operated by Savanna S. Parker, 26, of Canton, which in turn was pushed into the rear of a 2013 Ford F-150 being driven by Brent L. Chandler, 47, of Towanda. Parker suffered minor injuries due to the impact, police said.
Grinde was cited for driving his vehicle at an unsafe speed. All the vehicles sustained minor to moderate damage. Police were assisted at the scene by Wysox Township fire and ambulance.
No injuries reported
No injuries were reported when a one-vehicle crash occurred on Mountain View Road in Asylum Township.
State police reported that Shawn M. Henfling, 36, of Towanda was driving a 2011 Ford F-150 south on Mountain View Road at 1:44 p.m. on Nov. 27. Police said Henfling lost control of his vehicle, causing it to go off the road and strike a ditch. The vehicle then overturned before coming to rest on its roof.
Police said Henfling will be cited for operating his vehicle at an unsafe speed.
Corruption charge filed
A Laceyville woman has been sent a summons to appear before Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton to answer a charge of corruption of a minor.
According to information filed in Wheaton's office, Nioma Beth Bernstein, 42, has also been charged by state police with furnishing liquor to a minor.
Police said that Bernstein has been accused of purchasing two bottles of vodka for a 17-year-old male juvenile on Sept. 23.
Bernstein's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 30.
Man charged with corruption
A Wyalusing man was cited by state police recently on a charge of corruption of a minor.
According to papers filed with Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton, Arthur Chilson, 51, was charged with the above offense, following several incidents that occurred between January to November. Chilson is accused of providing marijuana to a 17-year-old female juvenile.
Chilson was arraigned before Judge Wheaton on Nov. 25, who ordered the defendant incarcerated in lieu of $200,000 bail. Chilson's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Woman charged with possession of drug paraphernalia
A Towanda woman has been sent a summons to appear before Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark to answer a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to information filed at Clark's office, Nancy Rebecca Benjamin, 26, was charged by Towanda police following an incident that occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Second Street and College Avenue.
Police reported stopping a vehicle on the above date. During a routine search, the report continued, Benjamin was found to be in possession of several items associated with illegal drug use, including hypodermic needles, a spoon with burned residue on it, a "crack pipe," two straws, and several plastic baggies.
Benjamin's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 12.
Man faces illegal drug charge
A New York man was cited by state police recently for possession of marijuana.
According to papers filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Jason Patrick Roach, 43, of Van Etten, has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Roach is accused of possession of illegal substances and drug paraphernalia following a search by the state police of his motel room at the Best Western Towanda Inn in Towanda Township on Oct. 24. Roach is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on Dec. 10.
Two charged with marijuana possession
Two people were recently issued a summons to appear before Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark to each answer a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
According to information filed at Clark's office, Shy-Ann Marie Hills, 18, of Towanda, and Jakayo Scott Frye, 19, of Towanda, have each been accused of possession of a small amount of marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, Hills has been charged with exceeding the maximum speed limit, and Frye has been accused of allowing a vehicle he owns to be operated without the necessary insurance.
The charges against Hills and Frye occurred following an incident that occurred on Nov. 14 around 12:56 p.m. State police reported clocking a vehicle traveling at 62 miles per hour in a posted 40 mph zone on Sheshequin Road, approximately one mile north of James Street in Sheshequin Township. When they stopped the vehicle, police continued, they discovered it was being driven by Hills, but owned by Frye.
Police said they detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle during the stop, and asked if there was any illegal substance inside. Frye admitted there was a glass smoking device in the vehicle, the report continued, and consented to allowing the police to search it. In addition to two glass smoking devices, police said they found a clear plastic bag containing marijuana.
Hills and Frye are scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on Dec. 31.
Man charged with possession
A Towanda man was arrested by state police recently on a charge of possession of an illegal substance.
According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Ronald Francis Bahr, 53, has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police reported that on July 16, members of the Bradford County Adult Probation Department arrived at Bahr's residence to conduct a search, as well as take him into custody for reported parole violations. The report indicated that Bahr had recently submitted to a urine test that indicated the presence of bath salts. A search of Bahr's residence yielded the following items:
- Three plastic wraps of bath salts.
- One green zip lock baggie of bath salts.
- One multicolored marijuana pipe with residue.
- One metal spoon with residue.
- One plastic pill grinder with residue.
- One metal marijuana grinder with residue.
- Four hypodermic needles.
- Two plastic baggies with residue.
- Two plastic snorting tubes.
- One glass snorting tube.
Man accused of hindering
A man has been issued a summons by the Bradford County Sheriff's Office to answer a charge of hindering apprehension or prosecution.
According to papers filed with Clark's office, Jesse Michael Gallagher, 35, of Towanda, has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sheriff's deputies arrived at Gallagher's residence on Nov. 5, around noon, to search for Dylan J. Robbins, according to the report. Robbins, the report continued, has a bench warrant against him issued in Bradford County, and the deputies intended to take him into custody.
The deputies reported speaking to Gallagher and asking him several times if Robbins was on the premises, which Gallagher repeatedly denied. The deputies warned Gallagher a number of times during the interview that he could be arrested and charged with obstruction of justice if Robbins was on the property, but Gallagher continued to deny the suspect was there, according to the report.
Finally, the report continued, the deputies received information that confirmed Robbins was in the residence, and Gallagher was taken into custody. After this, Gallagher admitted that Robbins was in the house, and he too was taken into custody as well.
While escorting Gallagher out the front door, the deputies continued, they conducted an incidental search, and discovered him to be in possession of a small, metal smoking device of the type used to commonly smoke marijuana.
Gallagher's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 31.
Two charged with defiant trespass
Two people have each been sent a summons to appear before Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark to answer a charge of defiant trespass.
According to information filed at Clark's office, Leah Ann Turner-Rouille, 18, of Towanda and Ryan Michael Carr, 22, of Towanda have each been charged by borough police with the above offense following an incident at a private residence on Main Street in Towanda. Police said that both were found to be staying at the address, despite repeated warnings by the owners that they are not permitted on the premises.
Both are scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on Dec. 31.
Man accused of simple assault
A Towanda man was arrested by borough police recently on a charge of simple assault.
According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Cody Charles Parsons, 23, has also been charged with theft by unlawful taking; and receiving stolen property.
Parsons is accused of striking and injuring Devin Parsons on Nov. 9 at 18 Mulberry St. in Towanda. In addition, the report continued, Cody Parsons is accused of removing $8 from Devin Parsons' bedroom on the day of the incident.
Man charged with possession
A Gillett man was taken into custody recently on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
According to papers filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Cory David Briggs, 29, has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
State police reported arriving at the Twin Pines Motel in Monroeton on Nov. 2, to investigate a report of suspicious items located inside one of the motel rooms. When the troopers knocked on the door and identified themselves, the report continued, they heard a lot of furniture being moved around. Police said Briggs answered the door and identified himself. Troopers ran a check and determined there was an active warrant for Briggs' arrest from the Bradford County Sheriff's Office. Briggs was taken into custody, the report continued, and investigating officers also discovered drug paraphernalia in the motel room, as well as bath salts hidden in Briggs' underwear.
Briggs is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark for his preliminary hearing on Dec. 17.
Man cited for simple assault
A New Albany man was cited by state police recently on a charge of simple assault.
According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Austin Taylor Merritt, 19, has also been charged with harassment. Merritt is accused of shoving Joshua James Bailey to the ground at the Dandy Mini Mart on U.S. Route 220 in Monroe Township on Nov. 1, during an altercation and injuring him in the process.
Merritt has been sent a summons to appear before Judge Clark on Dec. 26.
Man charged with indecent exposure
A New York man has been sent a summons to appear before Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, to answer a charge of indecent exposure.
According to information filed at Clark's office, Todd Daniel Bargesser, 41, of Elmira, has also been charged with corruption of a minor. Bargesser has been accused of exposing himself to an underage juvenile girl on several occasions at a private residence in Burlington Township between May 2010 and May 2011.
Bargesser is scheduled to appear before Judge Clark on Dec. 17.
Man accused of making false statement
A Horsham man was cited by state police recently on a charge of attempting to purchase a firearm via a false statement.
According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, William Yates Metzgar, 45, has also been charged with unsworn falsification to authorities. Metzgar is accused of attempting to purchase a firearm in April from L&R Reloading. Part of the procedure required Metzgar to fill out a Firearms Transactions form, in which he answered "No" to a question asking if he had ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime relating to domestic violence. State police said that they determined via investigation that Metzgar had pleaded guilty in May 2008 to a second degree misdemeanor charge of simple assault in connection with a domestic violence situation. When confront with this information, Metzgar informed the authorities he thought he had pled guilty to a lesser charge at the time; that he didn't realize not answering the firearms statement properly was such a serious offense; and that he rushed through the application and didn't take the time to look at it entirely.
Metzgar's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 17 before Judge Tim Clark.
Woman charged with forgery
State police recently cited a Monroeton woman for a charge of forgery.
According to the affidavit filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Sara Ann Johnson, 28, has also been charged with identity theft; harassment; and theft by unlawful taking.
Johnson is accused of stealing a checkbook from the home of Sydney Hoover between July 8, 2013, and Sept. 24, 2013. Hoover is a care dependent person, and Johnson was an alternative caregiver at the residence during the time of the incident. Police reported that Johnson is accused of writing several checks to Hoover's account totaling $1,783 without Hoover's knowledge or permission.
Man charged with burglary
A Cogan Station man was arrested recently by state police on a charge of burglary.
According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, John Earl Walker, 52, has also been charged with criminal trespass; and theft by unlawful taking. Walker is accused of entering a private residence on Patton Hill Road in Towanda Township on Aug. 5, and stealing approximately $200 in coins, plus two rifles and three shotguns. A subsequent investigation by the state police led them to Walker, when he attempted to sell the shotguns and rifles to other parties, the report said.
Man cited for defiant trespass
A Towanda man was arrested by borough police recently on a charge of defiant trespass.
According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Cody Charles Parsons, 23, has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police reported responding to a 911 hang-up call at 18 Mulberry St. on Nov. 14, around 7:50 a.m. When they arrived, police continued, they spoke to Devin Parsons, who informed them that Cody Parsons had entered the premises without permission, and was not allowed to be there.
When they spoke with Cody Parsons, police continued, they asked if they could search him to determine if he had any weapons. Cody Parsons granted permission, the report said, and the search yielded several items related to illicit drug use.
Police said they also spoke to Cody Parsons' grandmother, who informed them that he had been warned several times about entering the house without permission, and ordered not to return.
Man charged with theft
A Troy man accused of stealing a license plate from a vehicle was recently cited by state police on a charge of theft.
According to papers filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, David Wayne Daniels, 30, has also been charged with theft by unlawful taking. Daniels is accused of stealing a license plate in July from a 2000 Ford Focus owned by Tammy Smith of Monroe Township, and attaching it to his Dodge Durango.
Man charged with fleeing
A Towanda man accused of leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it has been sent a summons to appear before Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark.
According to information filed at Clark's office, Ryan James Barrowcliff, 23, has been charged by state police with "accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property." Barrowcliff is accused of hitting and damaging a vehicle at the Dandy Mini Mart in North Towanda on Nov. 21 around 9:40 p.m., then leaving the scene without reporting the accident.
Barrowcliff has been sent a summons to appear before Judge Clark on Dec. 31.
Man faces theft charge
A Towanda man was arrested by borough police recently on a charge of theft by unlawful taking.
According to papers filed with Magisterial District Judge Tim Clark, Cody Charles Parsons, 23, was cited by Towanda police for the above offense. Parsons is accused of stealing an Apple iPad2 owned by William Charles Parsons on Oct. 17, then selling it to Towanda Coin Jewelry and More for $55.