One vehicle accident results in charge

Towanda State Police reported a one vehicle accident occurring on Dec. 14 on Brownback Road, just south of the Berwick Turnpike. A Pontiac Grand Am, driven by Kyle Mansueto, 23, of Granville Summit, slid off the roadway crashing into a tree before coming to rest. The crash resulted in airbag deployment and heavy front end damage. The vehicle was towed from the scene by JR's Towing and Mansueto was charged with failure to maintain tire equipment.

He will answer to the charges in non-traffic court at a later date.

Criminal mischief reported

A female resident on Leroy Mountain Road in Leroy Township reported to Pennsylvania State Police that someone had driven into her yard causing damage to her lawn on Dec. 11. State Police are looking into the report and anyone with information is asked to contact the Towanda barracks at 570-265-2186.

DUI crash results in charges

A Troy man is under arrest after a one vehicle accident occurring in the northbound lane of State Route 14 in Canton Township on Dec 2. Curtis Opdyke, 23, of Troy, lost control of the vehicle which left the road and subsequently rolled over four to five times in a field before finally coming to rest. According to Pennsylvania State Police the vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene by Canton Auto Body. Opdyke related to troopers that he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered moderate injuries as a result of the impact. He was transported to the Troy hospital for medical treatment.

During the course of the investigation it was determined that Opdyke was driving under the influence of alcohol and later submitted to a legal blood draw which showed an illegal level of alcohol in his blood.

Opdyke was charged later with DUI general impairment. He will face these charges with Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton at a later date.

Windshield damaged

Sometime between Nov. 26 and Dec. 12, a female victim in Burlington Township reported an unknown person had caused damage to the windshield of a yellow Chevrolet Cavalier which was parked at the Wheels and Dealers Auto Repair Shop on the Berwick Turnpike. Anyone with information is urged to contact Pennsylvania State Police at 570-265-2186.

Burglary reported

Sometime between Dec. 4 and Dec. 6, a couple on Ulster Road in Smithfield Township reported to Pennsylvania State Police that several items were stolen from their residence. These items include jewelry, a green Yukon ranger night vision unit and several Nikon cameras. Anyone with information should contact the Pennsylvania State Police and reference incident number P05-0799389.

Indecent sexual contact reported

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating incidents reported to the Bradford County Children and Youth Services regarding indecent sexual contact with a minor juvenile female occurring on Dec. 13. Upon investigation, Timothy Oliver Jr., 18, of Monkey Run Road, South Creek Township, was arrested and arraigned before Magistrate Jonathan Wilcox and was subsequently committed to the Bradford County prison in lieu of $35,000 bail for the charge of indecent assault. He will return to face this charge at a later date.

Disorderly conduct

Pennsylvania State Police responded to an incident at the SRU school parking lot in Smithfield Township on Dec. 21 and charged Kory Sponheimer, 27, of Ulster, for doing burnouts and donuts in a silver Nissan Sentra. He was issued a summary offense for disorderly conduct and a citation was filed through Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw's office.

Traffic stop results in DUI charge

Pennsylvania State Police initiated a traffic stop on Dec. 10 on State Route 6 at State Route 409 in Wyalusing Township on 74-year-old Maynard Smith of Wyalusing. Troopers reported that Smith was driving in the opposing travel lane on State Route 6, which cause the trooper to pull him over. During the course of the traffic stop Smith displayed signs of intoxication and impairment. He was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and transported to Memorial Hospital in Towanda to submit to a legal blood draw.

Charges were later filed through Magisterial District Judge Timothy Wilcox's office for DUI: general impairment. Smith will return to court at a later date to plead to the charge.

One vehicle crash reported

Pennsylvania State Police responded to a one vehicle crash in Terry Township on Terrytown Mountain Road on Dec. 13. Upon their arrival, troopers found Devon L. Delamater, 20, of Wyalusing, who explained that he was traveling west on Terrytown Mountain Road and had swerved into a ditch on the north side of the roadway to avoid striking a vehicle which was traveling east. He reported wearing his safety belt at the time of the incident and was uninjured.

Retail theft reported

On Dec. 21 associates at Walmart notified Athens Township Police that they had an individual in custody who had committed the offense of retail theft and they would hold the person until police arrived. Police then found Kristy Lee Houseknecht, 26, of Athens, who, according to associates, had attempted to steal merchandise from the Walmart store.

Houseknecht was followed by an associate of the store and was observed placing several items of clothing into her purse and several items into the top of her cart in an attempt to keep them concealed. She eventually went to the self checkout where she bagged several items that were not paid for and proceeded out the doors with the stolen merchandise on the grocery end of the store. She was confronted about the stolen items and placed into custody by store employees.

At this time Athens Township Police informed Houseknecht that she was under arrest for retail theft and she would no longer be allowed on Walmart property. The value of the stolen items was $101.12.

Houseknecht will face this charge at a preliminary hearing with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw on Jan. 27.

Hindering apprehension charge filed

On Jan. 5, Athens Borough Police filed charges against Melissa Rose Houghtalen, 41, of Athens, after an incident occurring on Dec. 31 at her residence on Spruce Street in Athens.

Police reported that they received information that an individual wanted on an active felony warrant of arrest was located at her residence. Houghtalen then allowed officers to search the apartment at which time the individual was not located. She was then asked to notify police if the individual arrived at the residence and her failure to notify law-enforcement would result in charges for hindering apprehension.

After officers left the apartment they received a telephone call from a female stating that the individual they were looking for was present when police arrived and was hiding behind a bedroom door. Police returned to the apartment and the individual was located still hiding behind the master bedroom door.

Houghtalen told officers that she didn't know the individual was inside her apartment the whole time because she did not have her glasses on. She was subsequently charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution by harbor or concealment. She was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw and received non-monetary bail.

Access device fraud reported

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an incident of access device fraud via the theft of credit card and banking information. On Dec. 21 a victim in Litchfield Township reported that an unknown individual had used her Visa credit card information to rent a room at the Holiday Inn of Stratford City, London, England, for three nights, totaling $567.41. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Fraudulent charges to debit card made

On Dec. 25, Pennsylvania State Police were called to investigate a report of access device fraud by a victim on Ghent Hill Road in Sheshequin Township. The victim reported she discovered fraudulent charges made to her Visa debit card. The investigation determined an unknown person obtained the victim's debit card information and made purchases without her knowledge or permission. The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the state police at 570-265-2186.

Low hanging wire causes accident

Pennsylvania State Police responded to a one vehicle crash on Jan. 2, on North Rome Road in Litchfield Township. The crash occurred as the vehicle was traveling south west on North Rome Road and struck a low hanging wire which was hanging across the roadway. The vehicle came to final rest facing southwest in its lane of travel with no reported damage and no injuries.

Vehicle strikes tree

On Dec. 30, Carol A. Plate, 69, of Sayre, was driving south on South Gate Road when she lost control of her vehicle and struck a tree. Plate was ticketed for driving at safe speeds.

Driver loses control of vehicle

Pennsylvania State Police reported a one vehicle crash on Jan. 2 on Shaffers Notch Road in Terry Township. A vehicle, driven by Robert L. Yates, 20, of Wyalusing, was traveling on a dry road when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to travel into the oncoming lane, back into the proper lane of travel, then off the shoulder of the roadway, striking a ditch and utility pole.

Yates reported wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was not injured. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Benjamin's Towing and Yates was cited for driving on roadways laned for traffic.

DUI charges filed

On Dec. 17, Pennsylvania State Police troopers were dispatched to James Street in Sheshequin Township for the report of a vehicle stuck in the mud in the front yard. Through investigation it was discovered that Anthony P. Pugliese, 49, of Lancaster, drove his vehicle into the front yard from James Street in an attempt to turn around and got his vehicle stuck.

While police spoke with Pugliese, he displayed signs of impairment and intoxication. He was taken into custody for DUI and was transported to Memorial Hospital in Towanda in order to submit to a legal blood draw. Pugliese was subsequently charged with DUI.

Yard damaged

On Dec. 15, Pennsylvania State Police took a report of damage done to a residential yard on Pottersville Road in Orwell Township.

Driver falls asleep at wheel

Pennsylvania State Police responding to a one vehicle accident on State Route 706 in Wyalusing Township discovered Benjamin L. Jackson, 20, of Morris, had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed his vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway striking approximately three trees with the front area and driver's side of the car causing property damage. The vehicle came to final rest facing west in the eastbound shoulder of State Route 706. Jackson was cited for careless driving.

Public drunkenness charge filed

On Dec. 28, Pennsylvania State Police observed Justin P. Arnold, 34, of Wyalusing, walking along the southbound shoulder of Route 220 near the intersection with Covered Bridge Road in Ulster Township while under the influence of alcohol. He was determined to be a danger to himself or others. Arnold was taken into custody and charged with public drunkenness.

Deer causes accident

On Dec. 29, a vehicle driven by Laura Seeley, 30, of Troy, was traveling south on the Berwick Turnpike and swerved to miss a deer standing in the road. The vehicle struck a ditch and traveled approximately 100 feet and then struck a tree. The vehicle then traveled several more feet in the ditch before crossing both lanes of travel, spun and came to rest in a field laying on its driver's side.

Both Seeley and a passenger were treated for minor injuries. Seeley was ticketed for driving at safe speeds.

Hindering apprehension charge filed

On Jan. 5, Athens Borough Police filed charges against Melissa Rose Houghtalen, 41, of Athens, after an incident occurring on Dec. 31 at her residence on Spruce Street in Athens.

Police reported that they received information that an individual wanted on an active felony warrant of arrest was located at her residence. Houghtalen then allowed officers to search the apartment at which time the individual was not located. She was then asked to notify police if the individual arrived at the residence and her failure to notify law-enforcement would result in charges for hindering apprehension.

After officers left the apartment they received a telephone call from a female stating that the individual they were looking for was present when police arrived and was hiding behind a bedroom door. Police returned to the apartment and the individual was located still hiding behind the master bedroom door.

Houghtalen told officers that she didn't know the individual was inside her apartment the whole time because she did not have her glasses on. She was subsequently charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution by harbor or concealment. She was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw and received non-monetary bail.

Access device fraud reported

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an incident of access device fraud via the theft of credit card and banking information. On Dec. 21 a victim in Litchfield Township reported that an unknown individual had used her Visa credit card information to rent a room at the Holiday Inn of Stratford City, London, England, for three nights, totaling $567.41. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Fraudulent charges to debit card made

On Dec. 25, Pennsylvania State Police were called to investigate a report of access device fraud by a victim on Ghent Hill Road in Sheshequin Township. The victim reported she discovered fraudulent charges made to her Visa debit card. The investigation determined an unknown person obtained the victim's debit card information and made purchases without her knowledge or permission. The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the state police at 570-265-2186.

Low hanging wire causes accident

Pennsylvania State Police responded to a one vehicle crash on Jan. 2, on North Rome Road in Litchfield Township. The crash occurred as the vehicle was traveling south west on North Rome Road and struck a low hanging wire which was hanging across the roadway. The vehicle came to final rest facing southwest in its lane of travel with no reported damage and no injuries.

Vehicle strikes tree

On Dec. 30, Carol A. Plate, 69, of Sayre, was driving south on South Gate Road when she lost control of her vehicle and struck a tree. Plate was ticketed for driving at safe speeds.

Driver loses control of vehicle

Pennsylvania State Police reported a one vehicle crash on Jan. 2 on Shaffers Notch Road in Terry Township. A vehicle, driven by Robert L. Yates, 20, of Wyalusing, was traveling on a dry road when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to travel into the oncoming lane, back into the proper lane of travel, then off the shoulder of the roadway, striking a ditch and utility pole.

Yates reported wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was not injured. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Benjamin's Towing and Yates was cited for driving on roadways laned for traffic.

DUI charges filed

On Dec. 17, Pennsylvania State Police troopers were dispatched to James Street in Sheshequin Township for the report of a vehicle stuck in the mud in the front yard. Through investigation it was discovered that Anthony P. Pugliese, 49, of Lancaster, drove his vehicle into the front yard from James Street in an attempt to turn around and got his vehicle stuck.

While police spoke with Pugliese, he displayed signs of impairment and intoxication. He was taken into custody for DUI and was transported to Memorial Hospital in Towanda in order to submit to a legal blood draw. Pugliese was subsequently charged with DUI.

Yard damaged

On Dec. 15, Pennsylvania State Police took a report of damage done to a residential yard on Pottersville Road in Orwell Township.

Driver falls asleep at wheel

Pennsylvania State Police responding to a one vehicle accident on State Route 706 in Wyalusing Township discovered Benjamin L. Jackson, 20, of Morris, had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed his vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway striking approximately three trees with the front area and driver's side of the car causing property damage. The vehicle came to final rest facing west in the eastbound shoulder of State Route 706. Jackson was cited for careless driving.

Public drunkenness charge filed

On Dec. 28, Pennsylvania State Police observed Justin P. Arnold, 34, of Wyalusing, walking along the southbound shoulder of Route 220 near the intersection with Covered Bridge Road in Ulster Township while under the influence of alcohol. He was determined to be a danger to himself or others. Arnold was taken into custody and charged with public drunkenness.

Two transported to hospital following crash

A Forksville male and a 15-year-old juvenile female were transported to Memorial Hospital in Towanda for evaluation of possible injuries following a one vehicle crash that occurred on Jan. 18 in Cherry Township in Sullivan County.

According to Laporte state police, Kyle McEwan, 18, was driving a 1999 Ford Escort LX north on State Route 87 when he lost control of the vehicle due to icy conditions. Police also say all four tires on McEwan's vehicle were void of treads. The vehicle was flipped onto its side and needed to be towed from the scene.

Neither McEwan nor his passenger were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Dushore Ambulance responded to the scene and McEwan was charged with driving at an unsafe speed.

Man charged with DUI in Standing Stone

According to state police, Scott Anthony Perry, 47, of Clarks Summit was charged with driving under the influence following a traffic stop on Dec. 9 in Standing Stone Township. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled for a later date.

Brass stolen in North Towanda

According to state police, on Jan. 20 unknown actor(s) entered a location in North Towanda Township and stole approximately $250 worth of brass belonging to a 61-year-old male. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.

DWI arrest made

Mark K. Miele, 40, of Sayre, was arrested for misdemeanor DWI at 8:28 p.m. on Jan. 15, following a traffic stop on Cayuta Avenue in Waverly. Miele was also charged with aggravated DWI and failing to keep right on the roadway. He was arrested following investigation into a report of an erratic driver.

Miele was released to appear at 4 p.m. on Jan. 22 in the Village of Waverly Justice Court to answer the charges.

Man arrested for DWI

David J. Decker, 32, of Chemung, N.Y., was arrested for misdemeanor DWI at 1:43 a.m. on Jan. 18, following a traffic stop on Chemung Street. Decker was also charged with a DWI with a blood alcohol content greater than .08 percent, failing to keep right on the roadway and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree.

Decker was released to appear at 4 p.m. on Jan. 29, in the Village of Waverly Justice Court to answer the charges.

Two arrested as 'Fugitives from Justice'

David A. Crawn, 26, and David R. Kithcart III, 22, both from Waverly, were arrested at 7:48 a.m. on Jan. 11, as "Fugitives from Justice" following investigation into a burglary and a theft of a four wheeler that had just occurred in Sayre. Both were arraigned in the Village of Waverly Justice Court and remanded to the Tioga County Jail in Owego, N.Y., without bail to await further legal action.

Lisa L. Sicurella and Regina St. Pierre and Marc St. Pierre to Shaena and Daniel Schultz for $75,000; Nanticoke.

Helen Fink to Hussein Kazimi for $232,000; Harveys Lake.

NEPA Management Corporation to Edward Urbanski for $137,000; Larksville.

Bank of New York Mellon (trustee) and First Horizon Homes Loan (per trustee) to Fred Lewis and Elaine Lewis for $84,000; Fairview Township.

David T. Pinkowski Jr. to Alan Czajkowski and Julia Czajkowski for $108,000; Hanover Township.

Marlene A. Smith and Marlene A. Ford and Roy Ford to Stuart Johnson for $178,000; Union Township.

Samsel Apartments LLC to Kelly J. Lucas for $129,500; Nescopeck.

Resisting arrest

MOUNT CARMEL - Charles Joseph Savitski, 40, of 651 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, was arraigned Wednesday on misdemeanor charges of simple assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct of fighting, and summary offenses of harassment and public drunkenness after borough police said he became unruly and threw parts of a bed from the second floor of his house onto the porch shortly before 7 a.m. Monday.

Borough police said Savitski's wife, Debra, called police regarding her husband's behavior. Police arrived to discover Savitski yelling from inside the residence and shouted, "Take me to jail!" at responding officers.

In addition to throwing the bed, Savitski also went through the home and tossed items around, police said. He also punched Lt. Christopher Buhay in the stomach, police said. When officers attempted to take Savitski into custody, he flailed his arms and turned his body away to avoid being handcuffed, police said.

Savitski was arraigned Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones and released on $15,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Charges waived

MOUNT CARMEL - A Kulpmont man waived charges of false identification and Megan's law violations following his arraignment on three separate cases before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Mount Carmel Wednesday.

Diondre Z. Watts, 25, of 1025 Chestnut St., waived three counts of providing false identification to law enforcement authorities, two counts of failure to comply with registration requirements and one charge each of flight to avoid apprehension and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges, filed by three different members of the Kulpmont Police Department, stem from two incidents, Oct. 25 and Dec. 31, and an ongoing investigation.

On Oct. 25, Watts was stopped at 10:44 p.m. by police while he was walking with four other males in the woods near Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont. Police charged Watts with giving false identification after he gave them a fake name.

On Nov. 18, police received notification that Watts is on the Megan's Law sexual offender registration list.

On Dec. 31, Watts was found with two other males sitting in a car parked at the rear of a home in the 1200 block of Oak Street for about 20 minutes. When asked for identification, Watts again provided a fake name to police. Later in the day, Watts was found in the same vehicle to avoid apprehension by police, officers reported. When searched, police found empty wax paper baggies, used for packaging heroin, and a broken tip of a pen, used to allegedly snort heroin, on Watts' person.

Watts was committed to prison on a total of $45,000 bail by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.

The following case was settled following a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, Wednesday.

n Shannon B. McGinley, 19, of 50 N. Maple St., Apartment 202, Mount Carmel, was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine and court costs after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charge was filed by Mount Carmel Borough Police Officer Matthew Dillman following an incident at his residence on Dec. 3.

Charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance were withdrawn in the case.

Retail theft reported

Athens Township Police reported the arrest of 19-year-old Kevin R. Belcher of Towanda for the offenses of retail theft and receiving stolen property in regard to an incident on Dec. 8 at the Walmart on Elmira Street.

Walmart employees contacted township police after placing two individuals in custody for retail theft. The employees reported to police that a vision center associate witnessed two males exit the store without paying for two televisions. One male, identified as Belcher, then returned to the store with an unknown female and were witnessed selecting several items and placing them in a tote that was already located in the cart they were pushing. The two then walked past all points of payment and exited the store. At this time they were then confronted by Walmart employees. Belcher then admitted to the employees that he had not paid for the televisions earlier and the total value of the items taken during the second trip was $142.12. The value of the two televisions was $478.

Belcher was later found to have a prior conviction for retail theft. Athens Township Police subsequently charged him with misdemeanor retail theft and receiving stolen property. He was pre-arraigned on Jan. 5 by Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw and will return for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 3.

Trespass and retail theft occurs

On Dec. 23, officers with the Athens Township Police Department were called to the Walmart on Elmira Street for reported retail theft. Upon arrival officers spoke to asset protection associates from Walmart who told them Molly Marie Shulas, age 60, from Ulster, had taken over $198 worth of food and paper merchandise and attempted to leave the store without payment. The employee also relayed to officers that Shulas was given a written notice of restriction, barring her from entering the property on July 6, 2012.

Shulas was subsequently charged with retail theft and defiant trespass. She is set to return to answer to these charges on Feb. 3, with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw.

Man charged after being found with used needles

Athens Borough Police reported the arrest of 26-year-old, Shane I. "Tony" Furman of Wysox after stopping two individuals on bicycles traveling in the middle of the road on West Pine Street on Jan. 6. During the officer's encounter with the two males, he asked Furman if he had any weapons or needles on him because of previous dealings with the individual. Furman then related to the officer that he had a needle in his pocket. In a subsequent search of Furman, in his backpack showed two used syringes and a spoon containing white powder wrapped in cellophane. Furman is also known to be on supervised bail.

He was subsequently charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Furman will face the charge at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 3 with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw.

DUI arrest made

On Dec. 6, Athens Borough Police reported the arrest of Charles W. Magahan, 47, of Athens, for several offenses related to driving under the influence, after a traffic stop just south of Bridge Street.

Magahan was driving near the intersection of South Elmira and North streets when he slowed down to an inappropriately slow speed until he reached the intersection of Ridge Street. The officer noted that the vehicle failed to dim its high beams as cars approached and passed.

The officer that initiated a traffic stop, upon speaking with Magahan, could detect an odor of alcohol emitting from his person. Magahan admitted to consuming three beverages before leaving Corning, N.Y., and agreed to perform the standard battery of field sobriety tests. He failed to perform any of the tests to a satisfactory manner. He was subsequently charged with DUI: highest rate of alcohol, DUI: general impairment, use of multiple beam road lighting equipment, and driving on the right side of the roadway. He is set to answer to the charges at a preliminary hearing on Jan. 30 with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw.

Pills stolen

Brianna Lynn Brock, no age given, of Gillett, told state police at Towanda that someone unknown stole pills from her purse sometime between Jan.8-9 on Roaring Run Road in South Creek Township.

DUI arrest made

State police at Towanda said a 29-year-old man was taken into custody for DUI following a one-vehicle crash that occurred sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. recently on Route 14 in Troy Township.

Police did not identify the man or list the date of the incident.

Person threatened

State police at Towanda said Jennifer Kyle, 41, of Warren Center, was threatened by an 8-year-old male from Warren Center sometime between 3:40 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Jan. 8 on Warren Center Road in Warren Township.

Fraud reported

State police at Towanda said someone obtained one of the credit cards of Michele L. Harnish, 45, of Ulster at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 4 on Enterprise Road in Rome Township and applied charges onto it at a Boscov's in Binghamton, N.Y.

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

Towanda man faces assault charges

A Towanda man was recently charged with simple assault; terroristic threats; harassment and recklessly endangering another person following an incident that occurred on Jan. 19 in Towanda.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Justin Louis Lavalle, 29, had an argument with his father that turned physical. Lavalle then went to the backyard and fired approximately five rounds of a 12 gauge shotgun into the woods. He then struggled with his father and punched him an unknown number of times. The victim suffered swelling and an abrasion on his forehead, as well as a small cut on his neck. Police say Lavalle also threatened to kill the victim.

Lavalle was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw in lieu of $10,000 bail and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Assault occurs in Towanda

A Towanda man was charged with simple assault and harassment following an incident that occurred on Jan. 23 in Towanda.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, the female victim entered the residence and Michael Joseph Davis, 54, immediately began striking her with closed fists before grabbing her by her hair and eventually throwing her against a heating stove. Police observed multiple injuries to her head, face and arms and Bradford County EMS were called to respond to the scene.

Davis was arraigned before District Judge Jonathan Wilcox in lieu of $10,000 bail and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Man charged after sending harassing letter

A Frackville man has been charged with harassment following a report from an Ulster female victim that he had sent an explicit letter to her on Jan. 6.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Russell Allen Mathews, 23, was being incarcerated at the Mahanoy State Correctional Institution and had sent the letter to the victim asking her to perform sexual acts for him.

Allen has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 25.

Ulster man faces multiple indecent assault charges

An Ulster man has been charged with corruption of minors and two counts of indecent assault following separate incidents with two separate victims.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, sometime in 2013 and in October of 2014, Dylan James Strohl, 19, improperly touched and assaulted the female victim, who was 12 years old at the time. The victim related that Strohl was 18 years old when both incidents happened.

A second victim, now 15 years of age, also related that Strohl assaulted her beginning when she was 12 years old.

Strohl has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 11.

Wysox man faces DUI charges

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Phillip Foster, 49, has been charged with driving under the influence at a high rate of alcohol; careless driving and criminal mischief after police received a report of a man yelling and changing a tire on Jan. 9 in Wysox.

When police arrived at the scene, police discovered Foster attempting to change a tire and detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from him. After further evaluation, police took Foster into custody and transported him to Memorial Hospital in Towanda, where he refused to sign and submit for blood testing.

Foster has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 27.

Car hits mailboxes

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Heather Fisher, 31, of Ranshaw, escaped injury Wednesday afternoon when her 2006 Hyundai Elantra slid off the side of Route 61 and struck two mailboxes and a PPL pole near Carroll Road.

Trooper Todd Leiby of state police at Stonington reported Fisher was traveling south on Route 61 at 3:45 p.m. when she failed to negotiate a snow-covered curve, lost traction and slid off the highway.

Fisher, who was wearing a seat belt, will be cited for faulty tires.

Forgery

ATLAS - Jennifer L. Taylor, 27, of 400 E. Columbia Ave., Atlas, was charged with forgery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and three counts of criminal conspiracy following an investigation into stolen checks in October.

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell reported in court documents that Taylor was allegedly involved with the theft of two checks that were cashed in Ashland for a total of $735.50 and two other checks totaling $750 that were not cashed.

She was arraigned on the check theft charges and placed in prison on $15,000 bail.

Taylor was also arraigned on charges filed by Mount Carmel Borough of criminal conspiracy, burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and loitering and prowling at night. Police said Taylor, who listed 509 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City, as her address on the complaint, allegedly entered a home on West Second Streeet, Mount Carmel, and removed several items.

She was committed to prison on $50,000 bail on the burglary charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel.

Burglary

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jason J. McGinn, 35, of 1000 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property after the investigation into a theft at a West Water Street home Nov. 17.

Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter reported in court documents that McGinn allegedly entered the home of Kane Knopp and stole a PlayStation 3 system and several games, items with a total value of $370.

McGinn was arraigned Wednesday on the charges before Jones and committed to prison on $5,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Tractor-trailer crash

RUSH TOWNSHIP - A Frackville woman was transported for treatment following a two-vehicle crash on Elysburg Road near Logan Run Road in Rush Township at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday.

State police at Stonington report a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by Leah M. Fannick, 24, of Frackville, was traveling west on Route 54 near Logan Run Road while a 2000 Kenworth tractor-trailer, driven by Leslie O. Brown, 42, of Turbotville, was exiting a nearby soy bean plant heading west on Route 54. Police said the tractor-trailer traveled approximately 150 feet west before it was struck in the rear end by Fannick's truck.

Fannick was transported to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment. Police reported she would be cited for driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed.

Assisting police at the scene were members of the Danville and Riverside Fire Companies and the Danville Ambulance.

Liquor law violation

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement cited the Maine Fire Engine and Hose Company, 1101 W. Independence St., Coal Township, for failing to maintain complete and truthful records covering its operation for a period of two years immediately preceding Nov. 5, 2014.

The citation was issued Thursday.

The charge will be brought before an administrative law judge who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. The judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation of the license based on the severity of the charge.

Crash

ELIZABETHVILLE - Carlos A. Zrake, 23, of Dalmatia, escaped injury after crashing a 2013 Subaru along Route 209 Wednesday in Washington Township, Dauphin County.

State police at Lykens said Zrake was driving west near Mountain View Road, about 2 miles west of Elizabethville, about 1 p.m. when he crossed over the east lane, exited the roadway and crashed into an embankment and utility pole. He was wearing a seat belt, and the vehicle's side airbags deployed.

He was cited for driving too fast for conditions.

Kerry K. Samsel (executrix) and Henrietta Heckman (estate) to Barletta Material & Construction Company Inc. for $80,000; Nescopeck Township.

Presidential Land Co. LTD to David Smullen and Margorie Smullen for $443,400; Rice Township.

Joann Kelly and Francis Kelly to River Street Properties LLC for $120,000; Plains Township.

Zenon Chmurski and Zofia Chmurska and Przemyslaw Chmurski and Paulina Chmurski to EAS2 Realty LLC for $95,000; Hanover Township.

Brian P. Yohe to Christopher L. Lupini and Shawnna L. Lupini for $256,000; Salem Township.

Judith Ann Kishel to Wilkes University for $155,000; Wilkes-Barre.

Crash

PAXINOS -A Sunbury man escaped injury after snowy weather caused him to lose control of his car on Route 61 around 7:35 a.m. Saturday.

State police said William Bielski, 23, will be cited with failing to drive at a safe speed after his Pontiac Sunfire slid on slush-covered Route 61 near the intersection of Route 487 in Shamokin Township and collided with a guardrail.

Bradford County District Attorney Daniel J. Barrett has updated the status of the following criminal cases:

SENTENCES

John Thompson, 41, Indianapolis, Ind., was sentenced to imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for two months to five months, fines, costs, restitution of $500, for the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Officer Roger Clink of the Athens Township Police Department arrested Thompson for the offense in 2013.

Scott Woodruff, 39, Monroeton, Pa., was sentenced to imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for four months to 12 months, fines, costs, restitution of $500, for the offense of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor. Deputy Brian Wibirt of the Bradford County Sheriff's Department arrested Woodruff for the offense in May 2014.

Eric Johnson, 42, Atwood, Ill., was sentenced to imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for 90 days to six months, fines, costs, restitution of $1,500, for the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol. Trooper Michael Tribendis of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Johnson following investigation of an incident that occurred in Orwell Township.

Jenelle Maines, 23, Towanda, Pa., was sentenced to imprisonment in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility for 11 months, 10 days to 126 months, fines, costs, restitution of $3,500, she will also lose her driver's license for 48 months, was resentenced (CIP revoked), for the offenses, three counts of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor, and two counts, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Officer Ryan Edsell of the Towanda Borough Police Department arrested Maines for the offence on Nov. 21, 2012. Trooper Kevin Hibson and Trooper David Sweeney of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Maines following investigation of an incident that occurred in North Towanda and Wysox Township on May 10, 2013 and Oct. 2, 2013.

Nichole Dewitt, 26, Sayre, Pa., was sentenced to imprisonment in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility for 26 months to 96 months, fines, costs, restitution of $800 (buy money $895), she will also lose her driver's license for 18 months, resentenced (CIP revoked), for the offense of two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a felony, one count Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled Substance, a felony and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor. Agents of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested Dewitt following investigation of an incident that occurred in Bradford County.

Adam Johnson, 28, Rome, Pa., was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for 90 days; Probation supervision for a term of 12 months, following by CIP 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. Johnson was sentenced to fines, costs, restitution of $1,350 (buy money $890), and he will also lose his driver's license for 18 months for the offenses of three counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a felony offense. Agents of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested Johnson following investigation of incidents that occurred in Bradford County.

Julie Falsey, 37, Monroeton, Pa., was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in a Pennsylvania Correctional Facility for 12 months to 42 months, fines, costs, restitution of $500 (buy money $195), and she will also lose her driver's license for 18 months, resentenced and Probation and CIP revoked, for the offenses of Possession with Intent to deliver, a felony offense, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor.

Agents of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested Falsey following investigation of incidents that occurred in Franklin Township.

Adam Moe, 29, Rome, Pa., was sentenced to Probation supervision for a term of 12 months, fines, costs, restitution of $300, and he will also lose his driver's license for six months, for the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor. Agents of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested Moe following investigation of an incident that occurred in Litchfield Township.

Richard Vargson, 26, Towanda, Pa., was sentenced to Probation supervision for a term of 24 months, fines, costs, restitution of $500 (buy money of $40), and he will also lose his driver's license for six months, for the offense of delivery of a Controlled Substance. Agents of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested Moe following investigation of an incident that occurred in Athens Township.

Scott Vietzen, 31, Canton, Pa., was sentenced to Probation supervision for a term of 24 months, fines, costs, restitution of $750, ($245 restitution), for the offense of Theft, a felony of the second degree.

Corporal Norman Strauss of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Vietzen following investigation of an incident that occurred in Canton Township.

Roger Plouse Jr., 31, Athens, Pa., was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for 64 days to 12 months, fines, costs, restitution of $200 (restitution of $3,904.40), for the offense of Criminal Mischief, a misdemeanor. Trooper William McDermott of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Plouse following investigation of an incident that occurred in Smithfield Township.

Bradford County District Attorney Daniel J. Barrett has updated the status of the following criminal cases:

GUILTY PLEAS

John E. Thompson, 41, Indianapolis, Ind., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Thompson will be sentenced, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer Roger Clink of the Athens Township Police Department arrested Thompson for the offense.

Christopher Pond, 35, Athens, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Default in Required Appearance, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Pond will be sentenced on March 5, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Deputy Brian Wibirt of the Bradford County Sheriff's Department arrested Pond for the offense in October.

Tracy Trainer, 26, Towanda, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Theft, a misdemeanor of the third degree. Trainer will be sentenced on March 5, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper Brandon Allis of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Trainer following investigation of an incident that occurred in Burlington Township.

Shane Collins, 29, formerly of Canton, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Theft, a misdemeanor.

Collins will be sentenced in March 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper Nathan Lewis of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Collins following investigation of an incident that occurred in Troy Township.

Danielle Mitchell, 44, Binghamton, N.Y., reinstated her plea of guilty to the offense of Retail Theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Mitchell had withdrawn a guilty plea entered on Oct. 30, 2014.

Mitchell will be sentenced, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer Dan Thomas of the Athens Township Police Department arrested Mitchell for the offense in July.

Mark Donmoyer, 30, Towanda, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Simple Assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Donmoyer will be sentenced on March 5, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer John Werner of the Towanda Borough Police Department arrested Donmoyer for the offense in September.

Tyler Ackley, 19, Troy, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of three counts of Criminal Mischief, misdemeanors of the second degree. Ackley will be sentenced on Feb. 11, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Sergeant Trey Kurtz of the Canton Borough Police Department arrested Ackley for the offense on Oct. 12, 2014.

Brian VanDyke, 33, Sayre, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Simple Assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree and Disorderly Conduct, a summary offense. VanDyke will be sentenced on March 2, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer George Nichols and Officer Nikki Hoffman of the Sayre Borough Police Department arrested VanDyke for the offenses on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, 2014.

Patrick Firestine, 21, Sayre, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Harassment, a summary offense and Criminal Mischief, also a summary offense. Firestine will be sentenced on March 2, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer Jeremy Horton of the Sayre Borough Police Department arrested Firestine for the offense in October 2014.

Chad Buynak, 34, Waverly, N.Y., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Retail Theft, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Buynak will be sentenced on March 2, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Officer Richard Horton of the Athens Township Police Department arrested Buynak for the offense in October 2014.

Matthew Dunn, 33, Troy, Pa., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor. Dunn will be sentenced on March 2, 2015, following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. Trooper Christopher Stecik of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Dunn following investigation of an incident that occurred in South Creek Township.

Eric Johnson, 42, Atwood, Ill., entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Trooper Michael Tribendis of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Johnson following investigation of an incident that occurred in Orwell Township.

Bradford County District Attorney Daniel J. Barrett reported that the following person recently was placed on the ARD program in the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas, Towanda:

Jesse Vanvalkenburg, 56, Monroeton, 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 nine months. While on probation, supervision will include monitoring for drug or alcohol use. Additionally, Vanvalkenburg must perform community service with the DUI Litter Brigade and attend a Victim Impact Panel and he will lose his Pennsylvania driving privilege for 60 days. Trooper Steve Steransky of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Vanvalkenburg for the offense.

Bradford County District Attorney Daniel J. Barrett announced that the following person(s) recently entered a plea of Nolo Contendere in the Bradford County Court of Common Pleas, Towanda:

Timothy Bailey, 35, Pine City, N.Y., entered a plea of nolo contendere/no contest to Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, a misdemeanor. Bailey will be sentenced following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. A no-contest plea is entered where the defendant cannot recall the event but will be held guilty and sentenced. Bailey was injured in a crash while under the influence and could not recall the incident clearly enough to plead guilty. Trooper Michael Tribendis of the Pennsylvania State Police arrested Bailey following investigation of an incident that occurred in Monroe Borough.

Veronique Rivera, 26, Sayre, Pa., entered a plea of nolo contendere/no contest to Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Rivera will be sentenced following preparation of a presentence report by the Bradford County Probation Department. A no-contest plea is entered where the defendant cannot recall the event but will be held guilty and sentenced. Officer Andrew Stevens of the Sayre Borough Police Department arrested Rivera for the offense in September.

Scott Larue McCarty and Ann Marie Haas.

Jason James Krumsky and Beverlee Ann Coval.

Eric Scott Razawich and Rachel Brittany Coenen.

George Lamotte Zimmerman III and Justin Michael Barrick.

Brian Christopher Llewellyn and Anne Elizabeth Baerwald.

Tyler Nicholas Tokach and Kellyann Kenny.

Cesar Mejia Valdez and Melissa Margarita Santana.

Iann Carlos Gonzalez-Melendez and Chyra Soco Sestoso.

Michael Dean Hawkins and Patricia Lee Carpenter.

Joseph Anthony Coleman III and Aprile Beth Ritts.

Charles J. Whitehouse and Katherine Ann McLaughlin.

Brian Geoffrey Livingston and Shannon Lee Chamberlain.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Sharon Jane Hadj-Chikh (trustee) and Mary Jane Tyson Revocable Living Trust (per trustee) and Mary Jane Tyson Revocable Trust (per trustee) to Jeff Gasper and Tracy Gasper for $74,000; Wilkes-Barre.

Deeluxe Holdings LP to William E. Sordoni and Jennifer L. Sordoni for $200,000; Franklin Township.

Harold E. Flack II and Jean P. Flack to William E. Sordoni and Jennifer L. Sordoni for $875,000; Franklin Township.

Jorge Padilla to Jorge O. Patino for $120,000; Nanticoke.

Linda Rowett (executrix) and John R. Cook (estate) to Cheryl Shaprio for $139,000; Dallas Township.

United States Postal Service to Penn Security Bank and Trust Co. for $495,000; Kingston.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

MB Property Management Service LLC to MB Property Management Service for $105,100; Pittston.

Alice Pacuska and Francis Pacuska and Joseph Pacuska and Laurene Abent to BNN family irrevocable trust for $70,000; Pittston.

Donald B. Pry Jr. and Deborah A. Tosline and Nancy J. Mintzer to Todd Martin for $95,000; Fairview Township.

Leslie Del Gaudio and Leslie Delgaudio to Joseph C. Cunningham Jr. for $120,000; Dallas Township.

Michael R. Coffee Jr. and Rachel G. Coffee to Brian Kimber and Jeanne Kimber for $404,000; Harveys Lake.

William J. Brazil and Ann C. Brazil to Raphael A. Musto and Janet M. Musto for $241,400; Jenkins Township.

Driver injured

TREVORTON ROAD - Christopher Kern, 34, of 1435 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, suffered injuries when the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle he was driving traveled off Route 225 (Trevorton Road) into a yard and struck two parked vehicles at 1839 Trevorton Road Sunday night.

Coal Township police said Kern was driving north at 8:54 p.m. when he lost control of the car, which hit a 1996 Ford truck that was pushed into a 2013 Volkswagen. The vehicles are owned by Kathleen and Todd Kinney, of 1839 Trevorton Road.

Kern was transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where he underwent emergency room treatment before being released.

Kern's car was towed from the scene by East End Auto.

The accident remains under investigation.

Driver flees

THARPTOWN - Township police are searching for the driver of a vehicle that struck guardrail along Route 61 at the Brewery Curve at 10:18 a.m. Saturday.

Police said the operator was traveling south when his or her vehicle exited the road and hit guardrail before fleeing.

The driver is requested to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

Jacker caught

MANHEIM - A 22-year-old Mifflinburg man accused in a car-jacking at a gas station near Milton was apprehended in Manheim Borough, Lancaster County.

Ryan Clayton was apprehended following a hit-and-run crash about 6:30 a.m. Monday, for which he is charged with receiving stolen property and accident-related offenses. He was driving a 2008 Ford Edge that he allegedly robbed from a woman in Kelly Township, Union County.

State police at Milton said Clayton pulled Corrinne Rank, 60, of Milton, from inside the sport-utility vehicle about 8:20 p.m. Sunday. He jumped into the vehicle and drove off from the Sunoco Gas Station and fled west on Crossroads Drive (Route 1004). Rank suffered a minor injury. Robbery-related charges are pending.

Strikes plow

LAVELLE - Two Ashland men escaped injury in a crash on Main Street (Route 4027) involving a state-owned snow plow.

According to state police at Frackville, Garrett Vandemark, 21, was driving west and rounding a slight right turn onto Main Street, near Barry Road, about 7:30 a.m. Monday when he observed an oncoming PennDOT plow truck and applied his vehicle's brakes. The 2006 Chevrolet Equinox slid into the eastbound path of the 2010 Mack Granite Snowplow and struck its front tire.

The plow truck was driven by Glenn Weinrich, 61. Both men were wearing seat belts, police said. The vehicles sustained minor damages and were driven from the scene.

Hits pole

SELISNGROVE - State police at Selinsgrove said a Sunbury woman was driving too fast on a snow-covered Route 35 when she wrecked a pickup truck into a utility pole about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Penn Township, Snyder County.

Destini E. Whary, 22, will be cited for driving too fast for conditions. Police said she was driving north near Sand Hill Road, about one mile west of Selinsgrove Speedway, when she lost control of a 1999 Mazda B4000. She was wearing a seat belt and suffered a minor injury, police said. DH&L Ambulance assisted.

2 crash

HUMMELS WHARF - A Sunbury woman will be cited for running a traffic light near the Susquehanna Mall and striking another vehicle.

State police at Selinsgrove said Constance J. Benner, 72, was driving north on the Susquehanna Trail (Routes 11/15) in a 2011 Ford Escape when she ran the traffic light at Roosevelt Avenue about 1 p.m. Sunday and struck a 2015 Subaru Forester driven by Annette H. Shively, 63, of Mifflinburg. Police said both women were wearing seat belts. The Subaru was towed.

Lost control

SELINSGROVE - A Sunbury woman lost control of her vehicle Monday on Routes 11/15 and crashed into a concrete barrier in Union Township, Snyder County.

State police at Selinsgrove said Carolyn R. Epler, 55, was driving a 2002 Chrysler Concord south about 9:45 p.m., between Aqueduct Road and Lauver Lane, when the vehicle slid onto the shoulder and struck the barrier before spinning clockwise and striking the barrier a second time. The vehicle continued to spin before coming to rest.

Epler was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, police said. She will be cited with violating the traffic code, driving vehicle at a safe speed.

Multiple charges filed for Towanda man

A Towanda man faces multiple traffic, alcohol, and drug-related charges following a traffic stop that occurred on Nov. 27 in Towanda.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Donald Morgenstern, 48, was unable to provide police with a driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Police also discovered that Morgenstern was wanted by the Bradford County Sheriff's Department and the vehicle's state inspection sticker did not match the VIN number of the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered three hypodermic needles, two plastic baggies with a white powdery substance, and two open beer cans with beer still inside.

Morgenstern was arraigned before Clark in lieu of $5,000 bail and waived his preliminary hearing.

Milan man charged after dispute turns violent

A Milan man has been charged with simple assault and harassment following an altercation that turned physical with a female victim that occurred on Jan. 10 in Ulster Township.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Ira Ray McCartney, 35, pushed the victim through a glass door and punched her several times in the sides before choking her. Upon arriving to the scene, police observed injuries to the victim's head and left ring finger, as well as finger marks around her neck consistent with someone choking her. Additionally, an on-scene witness provided police with a written statement corroborating the victim's version of events.

McCartney was arraigned before Clark in lieu of $2,500 bail and pled guilty to the harassment charge as part of a plea deal at his preliminary hearing.

Towanda woman faces drug charges

A Towanda woman has been charged with the possession and delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility following an incident that occurred on Feb. 24, 2014.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Randi Marie Potter, 23, faces these charges after selling Percocet tablets valued at approximately $120 to another individual.

Potter was arraigned before Clark and waived her preliminary hearing.

Man arrested after traffic stop

A Towanda man was found to be in possession of multiple items used for drugs following a traffic stop that occurred on Oct. 29 in Towanda.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Blaine Thomas Boyer, 24, was stopped by police after his vehicle was observed to have a headlight that was out. Boyer was unable to provide police with his driver's license and did not have a valid state inspection on his vehicle. Upon searching Boyer and the vehicle, police discovered a glass pipe on Boyer's person, a glass water pipe inside the vehicle, a small amount of marijuana, a disassembled pen with a burnt end, an unused hypodermic needle and a black pouch containing a loaded hypodermic needle, an orange plastic baggie containing an unknown white substance, an orange straw and a razor blade with a burnt end.

Boyer has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 6.

Theft charges filed for two men

A Wyalusing man and a Monroeton man have been charged with entering a building when no one was present; criminal conspiracy; criminal trespass; theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property following an incident that occurred on Jan. 13 in Monroe Township.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Walter Lawrence Reynolds Jr., 27, of Monroeton broke into a residence and stole $290 in one dollar denominations belonging to a 68-year-old male while Curtis Ryan Clark, 25, waited in a vehicle. Curtis Clark then drove Reynolds to the PS Bank in Ulster, where he exchanged the sum of the bills for larger denominations. Both men confessed to the theft after being interviewed by police.

Curtis Clark was arraigned before District Judge Michael Shaw in lieu of $10,000 bail. Reynolds was arraigned before Shaw in lieu of $50,000 bail, which was later decreased to $25,000. Both men currently await preliminary hearings.

Man charged with simple assault

Jason Lewis Shores, 36, of Stevensville, faces a preliminary hearing at 3:45 p.m. today before Magisterial District Judge Fred Wheaton of Wysox on charges of simple assault and harassment for an incident that took place Dec. 16 at a residence on Route 706, just south of Devine Road, in Stevens Township, according to court papers filed with Wheaton's office.

Wheaton's office redacted the name of the victim in the court papers.

According to an affidavit, the victim stated that he was attacked by his sister's boyfriend, Shores, between about 5:30 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. He said Shores came to his friend's residence on Route 706 and accused him of stealing the stereo from Shores' truck. The victim said that he told Shores he did not take the stereo, and Shores began to strike him several times about the face, abdomen, and chest and grabbed him by the neck and started to choke him and "kneed" him in the right side. He said Shores got up and kicked him in the right side, checked the victim's friend's car and left.

Shores was sent a summons.

Man arrested in Towanda

A Towanda man was arrested on Nov. 7 in Towanda after it was discovered there was a bench warrant out on him.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, police were called to a residence in the Towanda Borough for a disturbance. When police arrived, Michael Edwin Rought, 32, was in an argument with his mother about money. When police asked for Rought's identification, he informed the officers that there was a bench warrant out on him. Police then followed Rought to his room for his ID, where they discovered multiple items of drug paraphernalia. Upon searching the room, police found two glass crack pipes, two metal spoons with residue, used needles, two Xanax pills, a digital scale and a copper scrub pad.

Rought has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 6.

Woman faces multiple charges following accident

A Dushore woman faces charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance; driving on the wrong side of the road; striking a vehicle in the opposite lane; driving at an unsafe speed; crossing the center line; careless driving; reckless driving and failure to use her vehicle's headlights following a crash that occurred on Nov. 5 at the intersection of Main Street and York Avenue in Towanda.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, police were called to the scene and observed that two vehicles that been involved in a collision. The female victim of the crash told police she observed a vehicle coming toward her in her lane of traffic and was able to swerve her vehicle enough to avoid a head-on collision. When police interviewed the other driver in the crash, Monica Kitchen, 60, she was unable to answer simple questions and was acting lethargic.

According to a male witness at the scene, he witnessed Kitchen's vehicle strike a light before turning onto York Avenue, where the vehicle was traveling on the wrong side of the road at an estimated 60 mph before colliding with the female victim's vehicle.

Kitchen was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Towanda, where a blood test eventually revealed that there were eight different medications in her blood at the time of the crash. Kitchen has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 27.

Towanda man discovered with drug paraphernalia

A Towanda man was charged with possession with the intent to use drug paraphernalia following an incident that occurred on Dec. 17 in Monroeton.

According to information filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark's office, Blaine Thomas Boyer, 24, was found to be in possession of several pieces of drug paraphernalia when police were serving an arrest warrant for another man.

Boyer has been sent a summons for a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 4.

Identity theft attempted in Sullivan County.

According to Laporte state police, on Jan. 23 unknown actor(s) sent an email to a 70-year-old Hillsgrove man requesting personal information from him.

Woman suffers minor injuries in crash

A New Albany woman suffered minor injuries following a one-vehicle crash that occurred on Jan. 22 in Overton Township.

According to state police, Janet Lopez, 63, was driving a 2007 Subaru Forester when she lost control of the vehicle after negotiating a right curve, crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a tree.

Dushore EMS transported Lopez to Memorial Hospital in Towanda and the New Albany Fire Department also responded to the scene. Lopez was wearing her seatbelt and was charged with violating roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

Minor injuries reported after crash

Two people from Troy suffered minor injuries after a one-vehicle crash that occurred on Jan. 24 in North Towanda Township.

According to state police, Tammy Smith, 43, was traveling east on State Route 6 when she lost control of her 2005 Chevrolet Equinox while negotiating a left curve and struck a ditch.

Memorial EMS treated Smith and her 16-year-old male passenger for minor injuries. North Towanda Fire Department also responded to the scene and Smith was charged with violating roadways laned for traffic.

Man jailed after domestic assault

A 26-year-old Gillett man was jailed in the Bradford County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail following a domestic assault that occurred at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 22 on Route 14 in South Creek Township, said state police at Towanda.

Police said Anthony Bryant Stone, 26, of Gillett and the victim in the incident, a 16-year-old Gillett male, engaged in a physical altercation when the victim attempted to break up a verbal argument between Stone and his mother.

As a result of the altercation, the victim suffered a bite to his right forearm and multiple abrasions to his neck, throat, ear, and underarm area, police said.

Stone was arrested and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy Jan. 22, with his bail set at $40,000 and not posted. Stone's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11 before Wilcox.

According to an affidavit, police were told that the verbal argument resulted when Stone was not allowed to borrow a car.

Vehicle damaged

State police at Towanda said a Ford F-150 sustained minor damage to its driver side headlight and fender when it was struck by another vehicle while it was legally parked at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8 facing south on Fawcett Avenue in New Albany Borough.

Police said an unknown vehicle turned onto Fawcett Avenue from Overton Road, left its lane of travel, and sideswiped the Ford F-150. Police said the driver fled the scene without providing the Ford F-150's owner with insurance information. The suspect vehicle is believed to be blue/teal in color, police said.

Teen injured

State police at Towanda said a 17-year-old Wyalusing male sustained a minor injury at 8 a.m. Jan. 16 in a crash on Allis Hollow Road in Pike Township.

According to police, the crash occurred as the 17-year-old was traveling in a Jeep Liberty east on the road. Police said he was approaching a left curve in the roadway and failed to negotiate the curve, continued straight off the berm of the eastbound lane, and struck a ditch. After his vehicle struck the ditch, it struck a tree off the eastbound berm of the roadway and came to final rest facing east, police said.

Police said the 17-year-old was charged with a violation of "roadways laned for traffic."

DUI reported in Sheshequin Township

Pennsylvania State Police reported the arrest of 49-year-old, Anthony P. Pugliese of Lancaster for several offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol. On Dec. 17, state police were dispatched to James Street in Sheshequin Township for a report of a vehicle stuck in the mud in a front yard. Upon their arrival police spoke with Pugliese and observed him to be under the influence of alcohol. Pugliese was then asked to complete the standard battery of field sobriety tests, which he failed to perform in a satisfactory manner. He was then charged with DUI: general impairment, DUI: high rate of alcohol, and careless driving. He is set to return to face the charges at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 13, with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark.

Crash results in charges

Pennsylvania State Police reported the arrest of 31-year-old, Ian M. Campbell of Wyalusing, after responding to a one vehicle accident alongside Woodside Road in Monroe Township. Troopers arriving on scene observed Campbell's truck facing west in a wooded area where it would have been driven off the roadway as a result of a crash. There was damage to trees on both sides of the vehicle, evidence of impact occurring from the truck. Troopers observed Campbell sitting behind the steering wheel in the driver seat still asleep and were able to detect a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person. Troopers then woke him up and he appeared uninjured.

Campbell was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI: general impairment, DUI: highest rate of alcohol, driving on right side of roadway, driving a vehicle at safe speed, and careless driving. He received a summons to face these charges at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 13, with Magisterial District Judge Timothy Clark.

Failure to maintain a lane results in DUI charges

Pennsylvania State Troopers reported the arrest of 65-year-old, Colleen D. Rought of Towanda, on Dec. 12 after a traffic stop on North Rome Road in Rome Township.

The trooper stated that he followed a vehicle that appeared to be having difficulty maintaining travel within a single lane. The vehicle traveled over the center line at least four separate times before the officer initiated a traffic stop. The driver was found to be Rought, who was not wearing a seatbelt and had an open container of beer in the center console.

The trooper then asked Rought to complete a breathalyzer exam, which showed a reading of .224 percent. At this time she was placed under arrest and charged with DUI: general impairment, DUI: highest rate of alcohol, failure to wear a seatbelt, restrictions of alcoholic beverages, careless driving, and driving on roadways laned for traffic. Rought received a summons for the charges and will return to court at a later date.

Careless driving results in DUI charges

Athens Township Police reported the arrest of 42-year-old, Ann M. Shrimp of Waverly, after a routine traffic stop showed her to be driving under the influence of alcohol. An officer stated he was traveling on West Pine Street and observed a vehicle driven by Shrimp turn right on the East State Route 220 N. bound on-ramp and drive in the grassy portion of the roadway, cutting the turn too shallow. The officer subsequently followed the vehicle and observed it crossing the center line of the roadway more than once. At this time the vehicle accelerated and kept a steady pace of 68.9 mph in a clearly posted 55 mile-per-hour zone. A traffic stop was subsequently initiated and the officer observed the driver, Shrimp, with a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from her person. Shrimp's passenger then admitted that the couple had just left Slammerz, a tavern in the area. Shrimp was then asked to perform the standard battery of field sobriety tests which she failed to perform in a satisfactory manner. The officer then placed Shrimp under arrest and charged her with DUI: highest rate of alcohol, DUI: general impairment, exceeding maximum speed limits, driving on the right side of the roadway, failure to use a turn signal and failure to produce a driver's license on demand. She will face the charges at a preliminary hearing with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw on Feb. 13.

Traveling too slow results in DUI charge

On Dec. 12, officers with the Athens Township Police Department on patrol on North Elmira Street, witnessed a vehicle, driven by 52-year-old, Bonnie Stack of Waverly, traveling at a very low rate of speed. The vehicle crossed the center line and nearly came to a complete stop prior to the red light located at the intersection of North Elmira and Pine streets. As the light turned green, the vehicle remained at a stop. Police continued to follow the vehicle until they approached the entrance to the Chinese buffet/Beeman's Restaurant. The vehicle signaled for the turn only after entering the actual parking lot itself.

At this time the officer pulled in behind the driver and activated his emergency lights. The officer approached Stack and immediately noticed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on her breath. Her speech was slurred and her eyes were glassy and droopy. She was asked to exit the vehicle and the officer noted she nearly fell over as her balance was so unsteady. It was at this time that she was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI. Stack submitted to a blood draw for chemical testing and it was reported her blood alcohol content was .21 percent at that time.

Stack was subsequently charged with DUI: general impairment, DUI: highest rate of alcohol, and driving on the right side of the roadway.

Stack is set to face these charges at a preliminary hearing with Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw on Feb. 13.

Karl D. Kemmerer (co-executor) and Harry J. Kemmerer (co-executor) and Elizabeth C. Kemmerer (estate) and Elizabeth A. Kemmerer (estate) and Karl D. Kemmerer (trustee) and Harry J. Kemmerer (trustee) and Kemmerer Inter Vivos Trust (per trustee) to Scott Dane and Felicia Dane for $200,000; Rice Township.

John Giesler to Michael A. Falzone for $264,000; Fairview Township.

G & Albert Consultants PC to David Koral and Toni Ann Crevo for $125,000; Hazle Township.

Lumax Inc. to Fadil Fred Metovic for $400,000; Hazle Township.

William H. Nehring and Catherine A. Nehring to Lucille Berish for $101,000; Hazleton.

Mary K. Abadia and Genevieve A. Dubin (per attorney in fact) to Mary K. Abadia (attorney in fact) for $200,000; Butler Township.

Driver critical

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin man remains in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following a crash involving his vehicle and a Mack truck on Interstate 80 near White Deer Township, Union County at 9:55 a.m. Friday.

State police at Milton report a 2013 Ford Focus, driven by Clinton Geist, 31, of Shamokin, was traveling north on State Route 8004, the ramp between Route 15 and Interstate 80 while a 2013 Mack truck, driven by Russell L. Booker, 56, of Scottsdale, and towing two trailers, was traveling east on Interstate 80 in the right eastbound lane.

Police said Geist's vehicle left the ramp in a northeasterly direction and entered a grassy area near it, then spun clockwise. The left front portion of the Focus then struck the wooden post of a traffic sign. After impact, Geist continued on across the merge lane and entered Booker's lane of travel. The truck's front right portion then struck the rear right of the Focus. The crash caused the Focus to spin again and it struck a guardrail adjacent to the south berm before coming to a stop.

After the impact, the truck traveled into the left eastbound lane of Interstate 80 and the second trailer partially left the roadway, then traveled 360 feet before flipping onto its left side and striking a bridge rail. The truck continued on before leaving the roadway and coming to rest on the south berm.

Geist was transported to Geisinger by White Deer Township Ambulance. Booker was not injured in the crash. Police reported that Geist will be cited for a traffic violation in the crash.

Two students cited

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police cited two 12-year-old females for disorderly conduct after the two engaged in a fight at Shamokin Area Middle/High School Jan. 20. The citations were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

DUI charges filed

SHAMOKIN - Ralph H. Goodison, 48, of 2133 Spruce Road, Sunbury, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, and cited accidents involving damage to attended property, accidents involving damage to unattended property, reckless driving and careless driving based on the investigation into a hit-and-run crash Dec. 8 in the 200 block of West Sunbury Street.

Shamokin City Police Patrolman William Zalinski reported officers responded to a hit-and-run accident and found Goodison in the area of South Pearl Street with his driver side door open, leaning in the vehicle.

Police determined that Goodison had struck three vehicles, two of which were occupied at the time, a PPL uility pole and a state traffic sign.

After being taken to a local hospital for treatment, police drew blood for chemical testing. Results showed that Goodison's blood contained methamphetamine, amphetamine and oxycodone at the time of the accident.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 24.

Disorderly conduct

SHAMOKIN - Daniel Lee Stevens, 51, of 109 S. Market St., Shamokin, will face two counts of disorderly conduct and a public drunkenness charge after an incident at 4:20 p.m. Friday at Sundance Vacations, in the Mill Road Square complex, in the 500 block of North Franklin Street.

Shamokin City Police Cpl. Bryan Primerano reported a female from Sundance walked into the city police station, also in the Mill Road Square complex and reported Stevens was just at their businesss and was holding an item that he stated was a bomb and it was going to explode.

Upon arrival, Stevens handed the item over to the police, which was determined to not be a bomb or explosive. Primerano noted Stevens was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.

After being placed in a holding cell at the police station, Stevens allegedly clenched his fist, took an aggressive stance and threatened to punch police before taking off all his clothes and going to sleep.

A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III is scheduled for Feb. 24.

Code violations

SHAMOKIN - Three individuals were cited by City Police Cpl. Bryan Primerano on Jan. 18 for violating Shamokin's public nuisance ordinance.

- Richard K. Miller, 41 of 395 Old Route 15, Port Trevorton, was cited for his property at 102 S. Pearl St.

- Vernon Hoke, 60, of 716 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, was cited for his property at 113-115 S. Pearl St.

- John E. McCabe, of 59 Floyd Street, Staten Island, N.Y., was cited for his property at 116 S. Pearl St.

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

Richard Dellacroce, 153 Poplar St., Wilkes-Barre; 180 days, $8,598.

Warrants were issued for the following defendants:

Seth Jared Rivera Rollins, 79 S. Welles St., Wilkes-Barre; $1,433

Harry W. Davis, 64 N. Cedar St., Hazleton; $7,907

Michaeal Tinney Sr., 103 Downing St., Plymouth; a total of $875 in two cases

Justin Howell, 636 Mercer Ave., Kingston; $5,220

Michael Dolan, 127 N. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre; $629

Donald A. Banellis Jr., 209 Salem St., West Pittston; $2,630

Edward P. Nolan and Lorraine M. Nolan to Pamela Porcardo for $178,000; Wright Township.

Ami Arvindray Shah to John David Galindo and Ronanne A. Galindo for $450,000; Rice Township.

Louis R. Longo Sr. and Mary Theresa Longo to Esmeralda Velasquez for $73,000; Hazleton.

Pennco Contracting Inc. to Troy Barnett and Beth Barnett for $134,000; Kingston.

Walter Yocum to Vierka Tatis for $89,900; Hazleton.

David W. Saba and Brenda K. Saba to Ami Arvindray Shah for $325,00; Kingston.

Stanley J. Rusiloski and Patricia A. Rusiloski to James M. Brawley and Brenda L. Karavitch for $150,000; Jackson Township.

Sand Springs Development Corp. to Marie M. Ernst for $150,000; Butler Township.

Harassment reported in Monroeton

According to state police, on Jan. 22, Joshua Grover Perry, 32, of Monroeton sent derogatory text messages to a Monroeton female victim after being told to stop. Charges have been filed in District Court 42-3-03.

Theft occurs in Wysox

State police are investigating an incident of theft from a motor vehicle that occurred between 11 p.m. of Jan. 20 and 6 a.m. of Jan. 21 in Wysox Township.

According to police, unknown actor(s) stole two Dewalt side grinders, a Dewalt buffer, a High Speed Milwaukee Buffer, a High Intensity Black Light and a black tool box with inspection stickers from a vehicle belonging to a 52-year-old Louisiana man.

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

Fuel stolen in Wysox

A Towanda man was arrested after failing to pay for fuel on Jan. 15 in Wysox.

According to police, Brian Joe Rought, 37, drove away from Welles Mills Company fuel and service station without paying for $30 worth of fuel. He was subsequently located and arrested.

Fence pole stolen in Sullivan County

Police are investigating an incident of theft by unlawful taking that occurred sometime between noon on Jan. 24 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 25 in Davidson Township.

According to Laporte state police, unknown actor(s) removed a metal fence pole approximately eight feet in length from a property belonging to a Muncy Valley woman. Anyone with information is asked to contact Laporte state police.

Police investigating stolen documents

State police are investigating an incident of theft that occurred sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 21 and 6 p.m. on Jan. 23 in North Towanda Township.

According to police, unknown actor(s) stole various documents from an end table located on the porch of a residence belonging to the 48-year-old female victim. A driver license renewal form and an electric bill were among the documents stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at (570) 265-2186.