Hearing aid found

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police here reported a hearing aid was found Friday near the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority property at 1100 W. Arch St.

The owner of the hearing aid can claim it by contacting Coal Township police at 644-0333.

Jewelry stolen

SUNBURY - State police at Stonington are investigating a burglary at the residence of Debbie Lynn Zweier, 58, of 1597 Route 61, Sunbury, that occurred between Saturday and Monday.

Police said someone stole a Dade College 1973 class ring with a gold band and Topaz stone, a Shikellamy High School 1971 class ring with a gold band and blue stone, a silver necklace with a purple pendant and miscellaneous gold rings and gold necklaces before fleeing in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to call state police at 286-5601 and ask for Trooper Daniel Wilk.

Harassment

SHAMOKIN - Sylvia Tinley, 21, of 224 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 2, Shamokin, was cited by Cpl. John Brown for harassment for subjecting family members to physical contact at her apartment building at 8:26 p.m. Oct. 2.

Disorderly conduct

SHAMOKIN - Heather Scott, 35, of 801 E. Dewart St., was cited by Shamokin City Police Patrolman Raymond Siko II for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness following an incident in the 300 block of South Market Street at 5:22 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say Scott, who was inebriated at the time, caused a disturbance, refused to leave the area and attempted to grab Siko's firearm.

Charges withdrawn

SHAMOKIN - Charges of simple assault and harassment filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski against Darryl L. Kashner Jr., 27, of 615 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, were withdrawn Tuesday when the alleged victim, Jordan Detalente, refused to testify against the defendant.

Kashner was charged with throwing a metal aerosol can at Detalente, which hit her in the back and caused a large abrasion July 19. He also is accused of repeatedly shoving Detalente, who is his girlfriend, in an attempt to keep her from leaving her apartment. Police said the assault occurred at 615 N. Shamokin St.

Refuses to testify

SHAMOKIN - Charges of theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan against Kyle Hoffman, 18, of 1010 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, were withdrawn Tuesday when the alleged victim, Michael Libby, refused to pursue the case.

Hoffman was charged with stealing a Yamaha motorcycle owned by Libby on June 7 from 32 Sherman St., Coal Township.

Driver cited

MONROE TOWNSHIP - A Kulpmont man was cited following a motor vehicle accident on Tower Road in this Snyder County township at 7:17 p.m. Saturday.

State police at Selinsgrove said a 2003 Ford F-250, driven by Craig J. Ryan, 23, of Kulpmont, was traveling east on Tower Road when he failed to realize the road came to a dead end. The truck continued to travel east and struck a piece of farm equipment, two saw horses and a ladder. The truck continued east before coming to a stop approximately 225 feet from the roadway.

Ryan was not injured in the crash, and police cited him for driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Criminal trespass

KULPMONT - Michael John Halchin, 38, of Williamsport, was charged by Patrolman Joshua Pastucka with two counts of criminal trespass relating to a July 27 incident at the home of Patricia Smith, 1057 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Drug charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension were filed by Patrolman Daniel Politza against Ricardo Medina, 29, of Hazleton.

Police reported Medina is accused of possessing a small bag of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after being stopped Aug. 25 along Route 61 near Pete's Pizza.

PFAs

MOUNT CARMEL - Angela Marie Arsenyevictz, 31, of Bloomsburg, has been charged by borough police with twice violating a protection from abuse order.

She is charged by Patrolmen Matthew Dillman and Justin Stelma with violating the order by contacting her former boyfriend, Barry Adams, via Facebook on Aug. 27 and Sept. 25, respectively.

Simple assault

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Paul A. Fuller Jr., 53, of Route 901, Locust Gap, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct involving a Sept. 1 disturbance at his residence.

According to a criminal complaint, Fuller struck Daniel Ruskuski in the mouth.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Ray Vincenzes, 50, of 824 Pine St., Kulpmont, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance or combination of drugs, failure to drive in a single lane, failure to have a front-seat passenger fastened in a seat belt and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Police said Vincenzes, who refused to submit to a blood test, was charged in connection with an Aug. 31 incident along Route 2026 between Sagon and Marion Heights.

Theft charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - James H. Meredith, 57, of 625 Big Mine Run Road, Ashland, was charged by Patrolman Kelly Campbell with theft, receiving stolen property, driving without a license and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Police reported Meredith allegedly stole a car owned by his estranged wife, Betty Jean Meredith, from 105 W. Girard St., Atlas, at 11:12 a.m. Wednesday.

Altered plates

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman David Stamets Jr. has charged Terry A. Walter, 48, of 118 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, with two counts of altering or forging documents and plates, an inspection certificate violation and a lighting violation.

Police said the charges relate to an Aug. 23 incident on Route 54 across from Aaron's Heating Oil in Natalie.

Theft charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Adam S. Fantini, 46, of 19 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel, has been charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and damaging railroad property.

Police reported Fantini is accused of stealing scrap metal, including several sections of railroad line and other items used to secure or fasten a railroad. Police said the property was stolen from Seventh and Hickory streets on July 12.

Theft by deception

MOUNT CARMEL - John Anthony Gallagher, 40, of 117 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, has been charged by Patrolman David Donkochik with theft by deception and deceptive or fraudulent business practices.

According to a criminal complaint, Gallagher is accused of failing to complete $16,808 worth of roofing and siding work at the homes of Kerri A. Kondisko, of 339-341 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, after receiving $10,467 to complete the project.

Police said Kondisko entered into a contract with Gallagher for the work on Jan. 17.

ATV recovered

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police here have recovered an all-terrain vehicle. Anyone missing an ATV should contact police at 644-0333.

Five cited

SHAMOKIN - Cpl. Darwin Tobias III has cited five people in connection with a disturbance at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of South Diamond Street.

Jeremy Henninger, 28; Antonio Valerio, 18; Justin Volker Valerio, 20, and Amber Eisenhard, 19, all of 341 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, were cited for disorderly conduct for screaming in the street, which annoyed neighbors.

Shawna Houser, 19, of 328 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, was cited for sending 25 text messages to Eisenhard, some of which were threatening.

Hit and run

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police are investigating a hit-and-run accident involving a white 1996 Dodge Dakota truck parked in the 800 block of Cliff Street. The accident occurred between 5 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. Friday. Anyone with information is asked to contact Coal Township Police at 644-0333.

Drug charges

SHAMOKIN - Patrolman Jarrod Scandle has charged Ronald Swank, 61, of 301 W. Spruce St., Shamokin, with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with an Oct. 3 incident at his residence.

DUI

SHAMOKIN - Andre Stone, 30, of 612 E. Commerce St., Shamokin, was charged by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving under suspension.

The charges relate to a Sept. 17 vehicle stop at Shamokin and Independence streets.

Police said Stone had a blood-alcohol content of .267 percent.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman David Sage has charged Kurtis Whitmer, 22, of 1573 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, with retail theft for allegedly stealing two air-impact tools from Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61 on Sept. 10.

SUNBURY - A 17-year-old girl charged last week with making three bomb threats to Mount Carmel Area School District was adjudicated delinquent Friday on two felonies and two misdemeanors during a hearing before Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor. Adjudicated in the juvenile court system is the equivalent of being found guilty in adult court.

Crystal Nicole Clark, of 106 N. Beech St., Mount Carmel, a freshman at Mount Carmel Area High School, who police said made the threats Oct. 9, was adjudicated on charges of terroristic threats, threats to use weapons of mass destruction, false alarms to public safety agencies and recklessly endangering another person. An additional count of threats to use weapons of mass destruction and charges of causing or risking a catastrophe and disorderly conduct were withdrawn.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets Jr., who was assisted in the investigation by Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens.

Northumberland County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer William Rossnock said Saylor will impose disposition, or sentencing, on Clark at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Clark, who remains in the Lycoming County Shelter Care Program in Montoursville, told police she made the threats because she wanted a day off school and didn't believe police would catch her.

The bomb scare forced the evacuation of approximately 1,800 students, teachers and staff.

Clark, who was taken into custody Oct. 10, allegedly made three phone calls within a four-minute period, stating, "There is a bomb in the school. Don't let nobody in the school."

According to police, Clark, who moved to Mount Carmel with her family about five months ago from Baltimore, Md., admitted to making the bomb threats during a 90-minute interview with police.

ATLAS - A 27-year-old Mount Carmel man and his female acquaintance, who police say followed a Marion Heights woman to her home after she cashed a $500 Lottery ticket at a local store, have been charged with stealing the woman's purse.

Robert Warren Powers, of 339 E. Seventh St., who was released from state prison in New Jersey three months ago after serving three years for burglary, and Vanessa Ann Steigerwalt, 23, of 443 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, were arraigned on multiple felony offenses by video at about 8 p.m. Tuesday by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel.

Police said Powers and Steigerwalt, who met each other at a Mount Carmel bar two weeks ago but reportedly are not romantically involved, were taken into custody at about 3 p.m. Tuesday and detained at Mount Carmel Township Police Station until their arraignments. They were each committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $150,000 cash bail.

They are accused of robbing Lisa Beury, 53, of 142 E. Melrose St., Marion Heights, on her front porch when Beury arrived home at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 after cashing the Lottery ticket at Boyer's Food Market. Beury was knocked to the ground by Powers during the robbery and had her purse stolen. Powers then ran east on Melrose Street, north on Brunswick Street and east on Coal Street, where he entered a vehicle operated by Steigerwalt before fleeing the scene, police allege.

Only got $50

Police reported Powers discarded Beury's purse along Route 54 between the co-generation plant at Marion Heights and Turkey Hill Minit Market in Strong. Police said Powers stole only $50; he failed to notice the remainder of the money from the Lottery ticket was contained in a side pocket of the purse, police said.

Powers also threw away a green hoodie he was wearing at the time of the robbery, according to police, who later located the sweatshirt near a playground in Strong.

Police said Steigerwalt, who has no prior criminal record, was taken into custody at Boyer's Food Market, where she is employed. She moved to Mount Carmel in January from Sellersville in Bucks County.

Powers, who is from Camden, N.J., was apprehended in the 200 block of East Seventh Street, about a block away from his home. Police

spotted him walking as they approached his home, and he was taken into custody without incident.

Patrolman David Stamets Jr. and Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush, who both filed the charges in the investigation, Mount Carmel Chief of Police Todd Owens and Constable Patrick Reynolds took the defendants into custody. Mount Carmel Township police said Owens also played a key role in the investigation. Powers and Steigerwalt were transported to the county jail by Reynolds, Stamets and Hollenbush.

Businesses help

Police commended management at Boyer's and CVS Pharmacy for their cooperation during the investigation, which involved reviewing video surveillance at the businesses.

Powers and Steigerwalt are charged with felonies of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery with force, robbery with force and flight to avoid apprehension, and misdemeanors of theft, receiving stolen property and simple assault, and a summary of harassment. Steigerwalt, who gave police conflicting statements about the robbery and initially denied her involvement in the crimes, also was charged with misdemeanors of unsworn falsification to authorities and making false reports to police.

'High' at the time

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Powers told police during an interview that he and Steigerwalt went to Boyer's Food Market on Oct. 9 and spotted Beury, whom they do not know, cash a $500 Lottery ticket at the store. Powers said the defendants left the store and waited for Beury to exit before following her to Marion Heights.

Powers told police he went behind the victim and ripped the purse off her before running to Steigerwalt's vehicle and fleeing the scene. He told police he was "high" on Oxycontin and other drugs at the time.

Police said Powers indicated Steigerwalt also wanted to steal the purse because she wanted money.

Steigerwalt later admitted to participating in the robbery. The defendant said she initially didn't tell the truth because she was scared.

Charge dismissed

MOUNT CARMEL - A summary offense of theft of services filed by Cpl. Christopher Buhay against Abdul Ghaf Faiz, 63, of 8 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, was dismissed Thursday morning by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones.

Faiz was charged with dumping household garbage in public trash cans outside his apartment at about 8 a.m. Aug. 31.

Disturbance

COAL TOWNSHIP - Joel Truesell, 42, of 1618 Holly St., Coal Township, faces charges for allegedly entering the home of an elderly township resident and causing a disturbance Monday night.

Police said Truesell went into the home of Joseph Wasilewski, 75, of 522 N. First St., without permission at 9:40 p.m. and was cursing the man while inside his home.

Truesell, who police said was intoxicated at the time of the incident, is charged by Patrolman Chris Lapotsky with summary counts of public drunkenness and trespassing.

Expired registration

SHAMOKIN - Two city residents were cited with ordinance violations in separate incidents for allegedly having vehicles with expired registration parked on city streets.

Agnes Yowell, 51, of 306 N. Vine St., was issued two citations for having a vehicle parked Sept. 26 and Sept. 27 on Strawberry Street.

Anthony Wetzel, 23, of 130 E. Dewart St., was cited for a vehicle parked near his home Sept. 26.

Citations were filed by Patrolman Scott Weaver.

Keys found

COAL TOWNSHIP - A set of keys were found on West Arch Street near the former Catawese bus garage, across from Kelley's Funeral Home, one of which is a blue Penn State key.

Anyone who lost the keys is asked to contact Coal Township Police Department at 644-0333.

Gas theft

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township Police are investigating the theft of gasoline and a gas can from a West Market Street residence between Oct. 12 and Sunday.

Police said $50 worth of gasoline were taken from the yard of Tara Kluge, 64, of 1000 W. Market St. - a 5-gallon can marked "auto only" and the gasoline from two smaller gas cans.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 797-4637.

ID theft

SUNBURY - State police said Nathan S. Shingara, 24, of Sunbury, had his personal information stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases on PayPal totaling $1,416.87 about 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Coins stolen

MOUNT CARMEL - Police say a borough teen admitted stealing coins from his mother last month.

Brandon T. Chapman, 18, of 119 S. Walnut St., signed a statement admitting he stole a mug containing multiple types of coins from inside a gun cabinet Sept. 19.

His mother, Angela, told police she was gone approximately 45 minutes from her home that day, and when she returned she observed the cabinet was damaged and the mug missing.

Angela Chapman said the value of the coins was approximately $1,000, while her son estimated the value at approximately $10, according to police.

Brandon Chapman was arraigned Thursday on charges of theft and receiving stolen property filed by Mount Carmel Patrolman Jason Drumheller. He was remanded to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, in lieu of $5,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

DUI

ELYSBURG - Erratic driving was the cause of a traffic stop Sept. 9 on South Market Street (Route 54), leading to drunk driving charges against a Danville man.

Nathan K. Piestrak, 23, of 307 Jerseytown Road, was driving a Ford Mustang at 1:40 a.m. and squealed its tires after turning west from a traffic light on Route 487, Patrolman Chris Dailey, Ralpho Township Police, said in a criminal complaint.

A traffic stop was initiated after Piestrak was observed traveling 60 mph in a 35-mph zone, police say, adding that Piestrak smelled of alcohol and showed physical signs of intoxication.

Blood testing found his blood-alcohol content to be 0.092 percent, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 percent, police say.

Piestrak is charged with two counts of driving under the influence and one count of careless driving.

Possession

ELYSBURG - A Ralpho Township man was jailed earlier this month for allegedly possessing 22 grams of cocaine, police say.

Charles T. Picarella Jr., of 869 W. Valley Ave., Apt. 2, Elysburg, was also found in illegal possession of seven prescription pills, Clonezpam and Alprazolam, and suspected drug paraphernalia including 44 clear plastic vials commonly used to package cocaine, police allege.

The drugs and paraphernalia were reportedly found by a parole agent Oct. 4 inside Picarella's vehicle parked at his property.

He is charged by Patrolman Chris Grow, Ralpho Township Police, with five counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of misbranding a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arraigned Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel, and remanded to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Drugs

ELYSBURG - Bradley N. Anecki faces drug charges following a probation visit to his home at 438 N. Market St. in July.

Patrolman Chris Dailey, Ralpho Township Police, says 12.1 grams of suspected marijuana, a glass smoking pipe, a scale, a partially smoked marijuana cigarette and rolling papers were found by law enforcement inside his home and garage July 12.

The marijuana was found portioned in four plastic baggies, police say.

Anecki, 56, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

DUI charges

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Jodi L. Hoats, 35, of 806 State Route 61, Sunbury, has been charged by Patrolman Chris Dailey with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, careless driving, driving on the wrong side of the road and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Police reported Hoats had Delta 9 Carboxy THC in her blood system and also possessed 33 pills of Zolpidem during a March 28 vehicle stop on Route 54 in Elysburg.

DUI

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Shane A. Herman, 22, of Danville, was charged by Patrolman Chris Dailey with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and one count of disorderly conduct relating to an Aug. 5 incident at the intersection of Routes 487 and 54 in Elysburg.

Police reported Herman had a blood-alcohol content of .157 percent.

PFA violation

MOUNT CARMEL - A protection from abuse order has been filed against Martin John Wolfe, 48, of 327 Main St., Aristes.

Police reported Wolfe sent an email to his estranged wife, Selena Wolfe, of 14 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, on Sept. 9 while she had a PFA against him, according to Cpl. Christopher Buhay.

Laptops stolen

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - Locust Township police are investigating the theft of two laptop computers from a residence at 597 Southern Drive (Route 487) on Thursday.

Police said the burglary occurred between 7:30 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. near the intersection with Ashton Hollow between Rohrbach's Farm Market and Southern Columbia Area High School.

Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to call Locust Township police at 799-5806.

Car hits ditch, trees

BLYTHE TOWNSHIP - A 23-year-old Tamaqua woman escaped injury late Thursday night in a one-car crash along Tumbling Run Road in this Schuylkill County township.

State police at Frackville reported Bryanna Harvey was driving a 2004 Volkswagen Golf east at 11:25 p.m. when she lost control of her vehicle on the wet road, approximately one mile west of Mountain Road. Police said the car exited the left side of the road, struck a drainage ditch and hit several small trees head-on before coming to rest in a wooded area.

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

The road was closed for approximately an hour until the scene was cleared.

Driver cited

BUFFALO TOWNSHIP - Donna J. Deitrick, 60, of Shamokin, was cited for limitations on backing relating to a Sept. 19 two-vehicle accident on Farley Circle near Haire Avenue in this Union County township.

State police at Milton reported Deitrick was backing up a 2004 Ford F-350 truck at 10:30 a.m. when her vehicle struck a parked 2012 Toyota Sienna on a lawn leading to a yard sale, causing minor damage. Police said Deitrick then left the scene, but was later located.

Deitrick and her passenger, Carol A. Whary, 60, of Shamokin, escaped injury.

DUI arrest

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Police arrested a 23-year-old male on charges of driving under the influence following an incident at the Veteran's Memorial Bridge at 2:20 a.m. Saturday.

Police did not name the suspect, but said he was stopped after swerving into the southbound lane of the bridge, traveling into the oncoming lane of a state police vehicle heading south.

Vandalism

BARRY TOWNSHIP - Morgan Yarnell, 27, of Ashland, reported to state police at Schuylkill Haven that sometime between Sept. 29 and Oct. 20, someone entered the former Barry Elementary School building, on Deep Creek Road, Barry Township, by prying open a rear door.

While inside, the burglar removed various amounts and types of scrap metal and copper piping. The burglars also broke three sinks, two urinals and a water fountain, all made of porcelain. The items stolen are valued between $1,000 and $2,000.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact state police at 593-2000.

Criminal mischief

ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP - Charles W. Neidig, 63, of Sunbury, was charged with criminal mischief by state police at Stonington after an incident at 8:50 a.m. Saturday when Neidig allegedly damaged a wooden utility trailer owned by David A. Smith, 30, of Sunbury, while the trailer was parked at 356 Kratzer Road, Rockefeller Township.

Hit and run

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police are seeking information on a hit-and-run incident that reportedly occurred overnight Thursday in the 900 block of West Arch Street.

Blake Forbes, 20, of Coal Township, reported the driver-side side view mirror of his 2007 Chevy Cobalt was struck and shattered while the vehicle was parked.

Police say the passenger-side side view mirror would be damaged on the vehicle sought in the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 644-0333.

4-car crash

HUMMELS WHARF - No serious injuries were reported in a four-car chain-reaction crash Thursday on Route 11 near an entrance to Monroe Marketplace.

Courtney M. Snook, 25, of Sunbury, was driving a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer south at 1:05 p.m. when the Blazer hit the rear of a 2007 Ford Focus driven by Jaron M. Ayers, 23, of Sunbury, that was stopped at a red light, state police at Selinsgrove said.

The collision caused the Focus to hit a 1999 Kia Sportage driven by Brad G. Murray, 43, of Mount Carmel, which was pushed into a 2012 Toyota Yaris driven by Nathaniel C. Krebs, 20, of Bloomsburg.

Snook and a passenger in Ayers' vehicle, Ashley L. Martz, 21, of Selinsgrove, suffered minor facial injuries, troopers said.

Snook was traveling with a juvenile boy; Murray with Joseph E. Moore, 32, of Linden, Mellisa M. Lileck, 41, and a juvenile boy, both of Mount Carmel; Krebs with Onolee M. Oberrender, 19, of Bloomsburg - all of whom were properly restrained and uninjured, police said.

The Blazer and Focus were disabled and towed. The Sportage and Yaris sustained minor damage and were driven from the scene.

Snook was cited for following too closely and reckless driving.

SUNBURY - A Shamokin salvage yard owner convicted of a felony theft charge earlier this year has filed an amended motion as he appeals his sentencing on claims he had ineffective counsel and errors were made by the court, witnesses and a prosecutor.

A post-trial motion hearing for Alfons Keefer has been continued until January to allow the commonwealth time to review the motion, filed Monday by defense attorney Ernie Preate.

Preate, a former state attorney general, presented the motion as part of his direct appeal of Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor's sentence of 4 1/2 to 24 months in Northumberland County Prison for Keefer, who was convicted of a felony offense of theft of movable property and a misdemeanor of obstructing administration of the law.

Preate's motion claims Keefer's trial attorney, Timothy Bowers, of Danville, was ineffective and challenges the amount of restitution Keefer was ordered to pay in the case. The motion also claims errors were made by the court, witnesses and assistant district attorney Michael Toomey during Keefer's trial.

Saylor granted Toomey time to review the amended motion and continued Monday's hearing until 1:15 p.m. Jan. 17. He ordered Preate to file a brief on his motion by Nov. 19 and gave Toomey until Dec. 17 to file his response to Preate's brief.

Free on bail

On May 14, Saylor ordered Keefer to serve the prison term, but Keefer appealed the sentence within 30 days.

Keefer's appeal allowed him to remain free on his original $5,000 bail as long as he complied with sentencing and bail conditions.

If Saylor upholds the sentence he imposed, Keefer could appeal the sentencing to the state Superior Court.

If the district attorney's office opposes Keefer being free on bail and is successful in the challenge, the judge could order the defendant to be imprisoned during the appeal process. But if no challenge is made about Keefer being free on bail, he will remain free until the appeal process is complete.

Keefer, who doesn't have a prior criminal record, would most likely only serve a minimum prison sentence of 4 1/2 months if his appeal is denied.

The May 14 sentence also required Keefer to pay $1,100 in fines plus costs and complete two years of supervised probation upon his release from prison. The 48-year-old Keefer also must make restitution of $32,500 to Ford Motor Credit Co., $2,100 in restitution to Joy Kulenguskey, of Coal Township, and $818.49 restitution to the county district attorney's office for expenses incurred to have Ken Cade, of Phoenix, Ariz., a customer service representative for Ford Motor Credit Co., testify at Keefer's trial.

Keefer was sentenced to prison time on the theft charge, while the consecutive two years probation was granted for the obstruction offense.

At the sentencing, Toomey requested Saylor to deny bail since Keefer was convicted by a jury of his peers. But the judge kept the bail the same minimal amount since the law requires a defendant sentenced to no more than two years imprisonment to remain free pending appeal.

Keefer was convicted of the charges Feb. 13. He was found not guilty of a misdemeanor of deceptive business practices, while a felony of receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor of tampering with or fabricating evidence were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Keefer was charged by Trooper Kevin L. Bletz of the Pennsylvania State Police Auto Theft Task Force with failing to return a silver 2001 Ford F-350 truck owned by Kulenguskey that he towed in 2008. Police said the turbo diesel, quad cab truck was towed and stored by Keefer at his business, A&G Towing on Bear Valley Avenue, before it disappeared.

The charges, filed in August 2010, involved a two-year investigation conducted by Bletz, who was asked by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and Shamokin police to conduct the probe in February 2008 because of a prior conflict between city police and Keefer. That conflict involved a dispute with the city over towing and storage charges when Keefer removed 18 vehicles from Robert Gilligbauer's Shamokin property in 2007.

ELYSBURG - Both drivers escaped injury when a pickup truck and tractor-trailer collided at Route 487 and Knoebels Boulevard Monday morning.

According to reports from the scene, the driver of the pickup truck attempted to pass the rig while it was turning onto Knoebels Boulevard, the "old" entrance to Knoebels Amusement Resort, and they collided.

The driver of the pickup was checked at the scene and didn't require hospital treatment. He had a dog at the scene, too, which appeared to be OK. His truck, however, was heavily damaged.

A tire was ripped from the tractor-trailer, which otherwise had minimal damage.

Ralpho Township police investigated but did not report further information on Monday.

SUNBURY - A 21-year-old Coal Township man pleaded guilty Monday morning in Northumberland County Court to simple assault, while six other charges, including burglary, were not prosecuted when one of the alleged victims refused to testify against him and asked the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendant.

Phillip M. Boyles, of 1462 Pulaski Ave., was sentenced by Judge William H. Wiest to serve five months in the county jail after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor of simple assault. The commonwealth agreed not to prosecute felony charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor of loitering and prowling at night, and summaries of underage drinking and criminal mischief.

Boyles, who was given credit for prison time previously served, also was ordered to pay a $150 fine and various costs and make restitution in the amount of $459 for breaking a cell phone owned by Grayce Griffiths.

Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney William Cole prosecuted the case.

Boyles, who was represented by Attorney Richard Feudale, agreed to enter the plea after Bernice Griffiths, mother of Grayce Griffiths, refused to testify against Boyles after taking the witness stand and urging Wiest to have leniency on the defendant for his alleged actions. Bernice Griffiths said the defendant paid his debt to society by serving five months in prison and didn't want to purse the case any further against Boyles, who is the former boyfriend of Grayce Griffiths and father of their 7-month-old son.

Boyles was recommitted to the county prison, where he has remained since his arrest on the charges May 28.

The charges were filed by Patrolman David Donkochik in connection with a burglary at 1:41 a.m. May 28 at the residence of Bernice Griffiths, Ken Taylor, Grayce Griffiths and her infant son, all of 313 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel.

Boyles was accused of entering the home through a balcony door and punching Grayce Griffiths' boyfriend, Alex Schwartz, of Kulpmont, on the side of the head. After punching Schwartz seven or eight times, police said Boyles began choking the victim and threatening to kill him. Earlier, police said Boyles had threatened to kill Grayce Griffiths, Schwartz, Schwartz's 14-year-old sister and a 14-year-old male.

Boyles also was accused of grabbing Grayce Griffiths' cell phone out of her hand and smashing it before grabbing her by the throat, scratching her and fleeing.

Bernice Griffiths, who is Taylor's wife, witnessed the assaults.

A co-defendant in the burglary, Michael Robert Shinskie, 18, of 720 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 2 before Judge Charles Saylor.

by justin strawser

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP - An early Tuesday afternoon fire destroyed the summer kitchen of a three-story home in Cleveland Township, but no one was injured in the blaze, according to Locust Township Police Department

Police Chief Allen Breach reported that emergency responders were dispatched to 64 Roosevelt Road at 1:58 p.m. where they found the white house fully involved. They cleared at the scene at 5:45 p.m.

The home is owned by three siblings, Gary Welkom, Michael Welkom and Carol Griffin, but no one was living there at the time of the fire, Breach said.

Gary Welkom's grandson was the last person to reside in the home, but he left this past Saturday to attend school. The home was still furnished, he said.

The one-story attached kitchen and breezeway were destroyed, and there was extensive smoke and water damage to the living quarters, and fire damage to the third floor, Breach said.

The fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen, but a cause has not yet been determined, Breach reported.

State police Fire Marshal Cpl. Shawn Hilbert, out of the Hazleton barracks, will be investigating the scene today.

The three-alarm fire brought out Valley Chemical Fire Company, Numidia; Catawissa Fire Company; Aristes Fire Company; Overlook Fire Company, Ralpho Township; Elysburg Fire Company; Montour Township Fire Company, Bloomsburg; Espy Fire Company, Bloomsburg; Buckhorn Community Volunteer Fire Company, Bloomsburg; Greater Columbia Medical Transport Service, Bloomsburg; AIR Unit, Bloomsburg; and Locust Township Police Department.

Teen killed

MIFFLINBURG - A juvenile male was killed while operating a lawn mower that overturned and landed on top of him Monday evening, state police at Milton said.

The incident occurred about 6 p.m. at a home on Forest Hill Road in West Buffalo Township.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Union County Coroner.

No further information was released by troopers.

Wall punched

STONINGTON - A juvenile is accused of punching a wall at 4 p.m. Oct. 3 in the visitation room of the Family Center on Route 61 in Shamokin Township.

Damages totaled $185.62, state police at Stonington said, and a summary charge of criminal mischief was filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic, Shamokin.

Burglary

LECK KILL - State police at Stonington are investigating a burglary at the farm of Neil Masser, 43, of 579 Main Road, Leck Kill, that occurred between 9:30 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said burglars entered several outbuildings on the farm by removing several padlocks and then stole approximately 200 feet of heavy-gauge wire extension cords, approximately 50 feet of gauge wire, three used automotive batteries and 24 used hose clamps.

Retail theft

SHAMOKIN - Megan Lee Fryberger, 28, of 1450 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, was cited three times by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle for retail theft involving incidents that occurred Oct. 8 at three different city businesses.

Fryberger was cited for stealing two Shimmer body art items valued at $9.99 each from Weis Markets. She also is accused of removing four makeup items and one Shimmer body art item valued at $25.44 from the Dollar General store and six makeup items valued at $28.56 from CVS Pharmacy.

Criminal mischief

SHAMOKIN - Norman J. Bohner Jr., 33, of 505 S. Market St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Jarrod Scandle for criminal mischief for allegedly placing sugar inside an oil fill pipe at 406 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin, at 9:44 a.m. Oct. 12, causing $171.17 worth of damage.

Breaks window

SHAMOKIN - Dagmar Cruz, 34, of 312 S. Coal St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Shane Mowery for criminal mischief for allegedly breaking a window at the residence of Angela Kreskie, 314 S. Coal St., Shamokin, at 5:33 p.m. Sept. 21, causing $212 damage.

DUI

COAL TOWNSHIP - Joseph John Bucanelli, 40, of 157 All Saints Road, Elysburg, was charged by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt relating to a Sept. 30 incident at the intersection of Routes 61 and 225 in Coal Township.

Police said Bucanelli had a blood-alcohol content of .184 percent.

Theft charges

SHAMOKIN - Shauna Ruch, 22, of 322 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 5, Shamokin, was arraigned Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic IIII on charges of theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

Ruch is charged by Shamokin Patrolman William Miner with stealing three rings and a nursing pin valued at $5,860 from her mother, Angela Arnold. Police said the jewelry was stolen from Arnold's home at 1004 E. Sunbury St. on Sept. 27.

Following her arraignment, Ruch waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was ordered to appear for plea court Dec. 3 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where she can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Retail theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shawn Hepner, 33, of Harrisburg, was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of retail theft by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Hepner is charged by Coal Township Patrolman Edward Purcell with stealing several cases of baby formula valued at $1,382.40 from Wal-Mart Supercenter along Route 61 on Oct. 15 and several more cases of baby formula valued at $1,186.92 from Wal-Mart on Oct. 19.

After his arraignment, Hepner waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was ordered to appear for plea court Dec. 3 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Bronco stolen

TREVORTON - State police at Stonington reported someone stole a green and silver, 1996 Ford Bronco XLT from the parking lot of Stiely's Garage along Route 225 between 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Theft of services

SHAMOKIN - Kenneth Trocker, 60, of 338 W. Arch St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes for theft of services for allegedly placing a bag of trash at 12:11 p.m. Oct. 15 in a trash can at 418 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

DUI patrols

POTTSVILLE - The North Central Highway Safety Network's Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Coal Township Police Department have announced there will be roving patrols or sobriety checkpoints will be conducted during the week of Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 on Routes 61, 225, 125, 54, 487, 901 and 147, or other connecting roadways to municipalities.

Travelers are reminded to report drunk drivers by dialing 911. To report underage drinking, call 1-888-under-21.

The roving patrols and checkpoints are funded through PennDOT and the National Highway Safety Administration.

Simple assault

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Thomas W. Walsh, 45, of 1045 W. Valley Ave., Elysburg, was charged by Patrolman Christopher Grow with simple assault and harassment involving an Oct. 19 disturbance at Timber Creek Restaurant along West Valley Avenue (Route 487) in Elysburg.

Police said Walsh, who resides above the restaurant, is accused of grabbing his sister, Kathy Gaydos, by the throat and choking her against a wall in the kitchen area of the restaurant at 5:42 a.m. after he allegedly came home intoxicated.

DUI

KULPMONT - Jacobe Gerard Lyash, 20, of 470 Overlook Blvd., Overlook, has been charged by Patrolman Joshua Pastucka with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of a combination of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving and driving without a license relating to a Sept. 2 vehicle stop on Route 61 near Vista Motors in Coal Township.

Police reported Lyash had marijuana in his blood system.

Theft charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman Kelly Campbell has charged Corey J. Hepler, 35, of 1144 Poplar St., Kulpmont, with theft and receiving stolen property.

He is accused of stealing a large amount of money from his parents, Dennis and Susan Hepler, from their home at 125 Beech Drive, Kulpmont, on Oct. 5.

Criminal trespass

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Melanie J. Guinther, 31, of 133 N. Market St., Apt. C., Elysburg, was charged by Patrolman Christopher Grow with criminal trespass and loitering and prowling at night relating to a Sept. 28 incident at the residence of Melissa Howard, 343 S. Market St., Elysburg.

DUI, hit and run

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman David Stamets Jr. has charged Joseph M. Delorso, 22, of 504 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, with driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, reckless driving and failure to give immediate notice of an accident to police in connection with a Sept. 30 accident at the intersection of Route 54 and Brennan's Farm Road known as the Strong connector.

Police reported Delorso had a blood-alcohol content of .274 percent.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Patrolman Shane Reamer has charged David E. Kraynak, 23, of 131 W. Clermont St., P.O. Box 307, Marion Heights, with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road.

The charges relate to a Sept. 26 traffic stop in the 600 block of West Fifth Street. Police said Kraynak had a blood-alcohol content of .195 percent.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Matthew Muscella, 32, of Royersburg, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane involving a Sept. 30 incident on Route 61.

Police said Muscella had a blood-alcohol content of .141 percent.

Drug charges

RIVERSIDE - Damian P. Novotny, 31, of 10 Scenic Drive, Danville, was charged by Cpl. Kerry Parkes with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Novotny allegedly delivered suboxone sublingual film to an informant for $30 in Riverside on June 28.

Access device fraud

RUSH TOWNSHIP - Anel Ortiz-Velez, 37, of Benton, was charged by Trooper David Townsend of state police at Stonington with access device fraud, identity theft and theft by deception.

Police reported Ortiz-Velez is accused of using a Discover credit card belonging to Danielle A. Fritz, of Danville, to purchase several items totaling $1,421.83 between Sept. 19 and Sept. 23.

Heroin charges

RIVERSIDE - Danielle L. Hein, 24, of 514 E. Front St., Danville, has been charged by Cpl. Kerry Parkes with delivery of a controlled sdubstance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Hein is accused of delivering five glassine packets of heroin to an informant for $120 in Riverside on June 28.

DUI

KULPMONT - Patrolman Patrick McAndrew has charged Robert W. Buettner Jr., 22, of 945 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving without lights between sunset and sunrise and driving without a license involving a May 21 incident in the 900 block of Chestnut Street.

Police reported Buettner had cocaine, benzoylecgonine and morphine in his blood system.

Theft charges

KULPMONT - Mandy S. Hook, 32, of 301 N. Sixth St., Apt. 301, Kulpmont, has been charged by Chief of Police Richard Wilson III with theft, receiving stolen property and retail theft.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Hook is accused of stealing $389.88 in scratch-off Lottery tickets from Turkey Hill Minit Market on Chestnut Street between Oct. 19 and Oct. 21 while she was employed at the store.

Drug offenses

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Darryl L. Kashner Jr., 27, of Coal Township, was charged by Patrolman Chris Dailey with false identification to law enforcement authorities, corruption of minors, restrictions on alcoholic beverages, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

Police said the charges relate to an April 5 incident on Bottle Drive in Paxinos.

Firearms violation

MOUNT CARMEL - Chief of Police Todd Owens has charged Daniel K. Luke, 30, of 332 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon and disorderly conduct.

Police reported Luke was found in possession of a .22-caliber long rifle and ammunition including 10 hollow point rounds on Oct. 20 near Varano's Warehouse at Seventh and Oak streets.

Held for court

SHAMOKIN - Michael J. Stoltzfus, 31, of Silver Spring, was held for court Tuesday on two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension while being a habitual offender, driving without a license, driving without proper registration, two counts of driving under suspension, driving without insurance and driving without a proper inspection sticker.

The charges filed by Cpl. Craig Polen of state police at Milton relate to a May 26 incident at the intersection of Route 2044 and Academy Street in Zerbe Township.

Operator ejected

LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP - Jasmine A. Elizardo, 28, of Danville, suffered severe injuries and was ejected from her car after it traveled off Broadway Road (Route 254) early Thursday morning and descended an embankment in this Montour County township.

State police at Milton reported Elizardo was driving a 2005 Toyota Scion east on Broadway Road at 1:25 a.m. west of Mexico Road when she failed to negotiate a left curve, causing the right side tires to travel off the right side of the road. Police said Elizardo then over compensated to the left, causing her auto to turn sideways and travel across both lanes of traffic. The vehicle went off the left side of the road, descended an embankment, rolled over a number of times and through a fence.

Elizardo was ejected from the sunroof of her vehicle and found just east of her car.

She was transported by Danville Ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where she was listed Friday in fair condition.

Elizardo was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Pumpkin thrown

WEST CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIP - State police at Milton reported someone threw a large pumpkin off the Industrial Park exit overpass at 1 a.m. Friday that struck a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado truck driven on Route 147 by David W. Cramer III, of 200 Brown St., South Williamsport.

Police said the pumpkin caused damage to the truck's windshield, dashboard and steering wheel.

Cramer also was struck by the pumpkin and glass and debris, causing him to suffer a facial injury.

Cramer was able to maintain control of his truck and pulled off the highway before being transported by ambulance to a medical facility.

Escapes injury

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Kyle A. Stahl, 21, of Freeburg, escaped injury early Friday morning in a one-car crash along Route 4017 just south of Shock Road.

State police at Stonington reported Stahl was driving a 2009 Subaru WRX at 1:50 a.m. at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his car, causing it to strike an embankment and roll onto its roof.

Stahl was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Car hits deer

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Jeremiah L. Kohl, 29, of Northumberland, was not injured Thursday night when his car collided with a deer on Snydertown Road.

According to state police at Stonington, Kohl was driving a 2007 Dodge Caliber south at 6:50 p.m. when a deer entered the road from the southbound shoulder and collided with the front end of the car, which came to rest approximately 100 feet from the point of impact. The auto sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene by Paul's Towing.

Police said the accident occurred approximately one quarter mile east of Highland Avenue.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Dawn Yentsch, 36, of 209 E. Water St., Mount Carmel, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. with driving under the influence of alcohol, a lighting violation and restrictions on alcoholic beverages relating to a Sept. 25 incident along Route 61 near Choice Cigarette Discount Store.

Police said Yentsch had a blood-alcohol content of .105 percent.

DUI offense

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman David Stamets Jr. has charged Nicholas J. Karlaza, 21, of 21 Back St., Dooleyville, with driving under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs, careless driving and failure to drive in a single lane involving a Sept. 19 incident on Mid-Valley Mountain (Route 2032).

Police reported Karlaza had alprazolam in his blood system.

Multiple charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Daniel A. Link, 44, of 226 S. Franklin St., Shamokin, was charged by Patrolman Matthew Filarski with driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving at an unsafe speed and failure to drive in a single lane.

The charges were filed in connection with an incident that occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday on Route 901 between Boylan's Garage and Excelsior.

Police said Link refused to submit to a blood test.

Contraband at state prison

COAL TOWNSHIP - Deshonda Nicole Madden, 33, of Philadelphia, was charged by state police at Stonington with possession of contraband after she allegedly provided an inmate at SCI-Coal Township with balloons packaged with marijuana at noon Friday.

Police said the inmate ingested the contraband before authorities could confiscate it.