CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has pleaded guilty to inappropriately touching two girls when they spent the night at his home.

Jeffrey A. Zellner, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts each of indecent assault, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children and criminal attempt/indecent assault.

He was sentenced by Judge Paul E. Cherry to six months to three years in state prison. He was fined $8 plus costs and he must submit to DNA testing at a cost of $250 due to the felony charges. He must complete the Project Point of Light Program.

Although Zellner was evaluated, he was found not to be a sexually violent predator. He must still register his address with law enforcement under Megan’s Law.

Zellner told the court he was “sorry for my actions.”

Cherry questioned what Zellner, a 35-year-old man was doing with 8-year-old and a 10-year-old girls. Zellner did not respond.

His attorney, Chris Pentz argued for a county sentence, pointing out that his six month minimum sentence could turn into a three-year sentence in state prison. He said sending Zellner away for that length of time is not “making us safer.”

The charges stem from an incident at Zellner’s residence on Locust Street in September.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the mother of the first victim contacted police reporting the assault. She told police her daughter was staying at Zellner’s residence. She called home, crying and asking to be picked up. When the mother’s husband arrived at the residence, she told him Zellner had pulled down her pants while she was sleeping. The husband confronted Zellner who said, “I know it looks bad. I’m sorry.” The girl stated this had also happened at another time.

In an interview with police, the victim said she was sleeping on her side on the couch when she felt her pants being pulled down below her buttocks. She turned around and saw Zellner drop down onto the floor in front of the couch as if he was hiding.

He then he walked into the kitchen. She said she was afraid to go back to sleep and ran upstairs to wake another resident. This victim told police this was the second time this happened. The other time was during the summer. She said she did not tell her parents then because she was afraid.

It was later determined that the same thing had happened to the victim’s sister. When the second victim was questioned, she said Zellner pulled her pants down twice during two separate incidents while she was sleeping at his residence in the summer of 2015.

She described similar experiences of sleeping on the couch and Zellner pulling her pants down. When she woke, she said he “shrunk” down beside the couch and crawled to the TV. As the night went on, Zellner checked several times to see if she was asleep. The girl called her mother at 6 a.m. to pick her up. She said she didn’t tell her mother because she “felt weird” and thought her mother would not believe her.

The girl also explained that she felt uncomfortable with the way Zellner looked at both her and her sister. She said when they were playing a “monster” game with Zellner’s boys, he would focus on the girls.

He was supposed to pretend to be a monster and chase them all, but he would only chase her and her sister. When he caught them, he would tickle them around their waist and chest, she explained.

CLEARFIELD – A former shift manager accused of stealing from Burger King and McDonald’s of Clearfield waived the charges in both cases Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

Jennifer Lynn Mann, 30, of West Decatur has been charged with receiving stolen property, theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking in one case and receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking in a second case. Bail has been set at $10,000 unsecured for each case.

According to the affidavit of probable cause in the first case, on April 6 Lawrence Township police received a report from Burger King for a possible internal theft. The staff advised of a shift manager, identified as Mann, who they suspected of stealing money from the nightly deposit.

According to restaurant officials with Burger King, revenue records were reviewed for various days and shifts. Officials found a pattern of large voids, especially during Mann’s shifts, for fictitious and large orders. Mann allegedly voided a total of $1,348.79 between Feb. 27 and April 5.

Additionally, officials found Mann used a “cents off” button. She collected the total amount of cash for a customer’s order, entered in amounts of “cents off” to discount it and took the difference. Records showed that Mann allegedly used the “cents off” button to steal a total of $1,044.34.

Restaurant officials then reviewed surveillance video for Mann’s shifts. On April 3 and again April 5, Mann was observed placing cash on the manager’s desk after counting her cashier drawers. She was then observed placing it into her shirt pocket.

Mann was also observed sitting in the manager’s office counting her shift’s drawers. While doing this, she was observed taking cash and placing it under a couple envelopes beside the fax machine. When she was done she grabbed the money, folded it and placed it in her shirt pocket.

During an interview with police, Mann denied any knowledge of a theft at Burger King. She denied having stolen money from any restaurant where she’d served as a manager. Mann claimed that she occasionally would place money in her shirt pocket for deposit later in the evening but never took any.

When police presented Mann with evidence and surveillance video she admitted to taking some money. However, she wouldn’t indicate how much she’d taken over a timeframe. When presented with the total amounts, she told police there wasn’t any way she was responsible for all of it.

Mann told police she would admit to taking some money – approximately $500 – but not the full amount calculated in the restaurant records. She requested to review the financial statements but was denied by police.

Mann had also worked for McDonald’s, located on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway, Clearfield, as a shift manager prior to her hiring at Burger King. Restaurant officials at Burger King contacted those at McDonald’s and advised them Mann had made approximately two months of refunds, totaling $2,393.13 in fraudulent orders.

Upon investigation restaurant officials at McDonald’s found Mann had allegedly initiated many cash refunds similar to those she later made at Burger King. From Jan. 21-28, she had refunded $547.65 in cash. After her shift Jan. 29, Mann was supposed to make a deposit of $1,226.34 in the bank, but it allegedly never made it there

When a McDonald’s official contacted Mann about the missing deposit she didn’t respond. Jan. 29 was the last day that Mann showed up to her scheduled shifts at McDonald’s, according to the affidavit.

When police questioned Mann about the thefts at McDonald’s, she said multiple people could have taken the money. However, when shown the schedule of shifts, she would not comment.

The methods in which the money was taken from Burger King matched that at McDonald’s. During both incidents, Mann was the on duty shift manager with knowledge of how to complete refunds, police stated in the affidavit.

Mann was presented with a voluntary statement form. However, after some time, Mann requested an attorney without providing any statement; she then left the township police station.

Nicolette Joann Holzer (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – A Pittsburgh woman who once tried to jump out a courthouse window to avoid going to jail was in court again Thursday.

Nicolette Joann Holzer, 35, 49 Albert St., Pittsburgh, was allegedly involved with an area drug ring and had two cases pending against her in March when her bail was revoked because she failed a drug test. She smashed a window in the courthouse saying “I just want to die,” according to the affidavit.

In this case, she is charged with criminal attempt/escape, resisting arrest, four counts of disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief. She is incarcerated at the county jail in lieu of $100,000 bail for these charges. For more on this case click here.

Holzer’s attorney, Daniel Koniecza, argued in a hearing Thursday before President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman for her bail to consolidated.

In her first case, she is charged with a felony count of manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, hindering apprehension, criminal conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia.    Holzer’s bail had been revoked and re-set at $350,000 on Jan. 7 in this case. She posted that amount Jan. 11, according to previously published reports.

In the second drug case, she is charged with two felony counts of manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful acts and criminal use of communication facility. Her bail in this case, which she had previously posted, was $250,000.

David Gorman of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office argued Thursday that she shouldn’t be let out of jail because she had committed another offense when she was first out on bail and she had violated her bail a second time by using drugs.

Ammerman denied the motion to consolidate bail, according to F. Cortez “Chip” Bell, the Clearfield County Court Administrator. However, Ammerman did agree to continue the cases until the next term of court.

The charges in the first drug case stem from an incident July 28 at a motel in Allegheny County when she was taken into custody with Robert Selfridge who was already wanted by police for failing to turn himself in on gun charges and for not attending a hearing.

When they were caught at the motel he had in his possession a gram of methamphetamine and $2,136 in cash. Bags taken from his motel room contained four bags of crystal methamphetamine, black tar heroin, a shotgun, drug packaging materials, glassine bags, marijuana and forged identification with Selfridge’s photo, according to a grand jury testimony.

In a second case, Holzer, who was already on bail for the first case, met with an informant who had been allegedly selling meth for Holzer to receive payment.

According to that affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 5 an undercover officer and an agent of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office were investigating an individual caught with methamphetamine and over $8,000 in cash. This individual told them he/she was selling the drugs for Holzer.

Two days earlier, this person claimed to have gotten three ounces of methamphetamine to sell from Holzer, who was expecting payment of $4,650 for it.

The individual became a confidential informant and a meeting was set up with Holzer in a DuBois grocery store parking lot. Holzer and another man showed up in a black vehicle that had been previously described by the informant.

The informant met with Holzer and gave her an envelope with $1,505 in it. Police then executed a stop of the vehicle and arrested all three participants.

Clearfield Borough

• Police were notified about a vehicle that was parked along East Locust Street for an extended period of time. Police found that the owner had been incarcerated.
• Police assisted Lawrence Township police with a vehicle stop along Route 879. It resulted in multiple arrests after police allegedly located drugs and drug paraphernalia.
• A set of credit cards was turned into police who advised the owner.
• Police received a report about harassing text messages. However, police viewed the messages and the complaint was unfounded.
• Police are investigating the alleged theft of medication from a residence along Nichols Street.
• Police were notified about juveniles being on a roof of a building. Police spoke to the juveniles who were getting a Frisbee off the roof.
• Police were called to North Fourth Street for an intoxicated female. Upon arrival police found the female to be on probation and intoxicated. She was subsequently transported to the Clearfield County Jail.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a bear with mange in the Plymptonville area. Anyone who sees the bear is asked to contact the state Game Commission or township police.
• Police conducted a traffic stop that resulted in a warrant service. Also, police will charge a man for allegedly driving under the influence.
• Police received a report about an alleged assault. However, it was referred to state police, as it occurred in their jurisdiction.
• Police received a report about an IRS phone scam.
• Police received a report about suspicious activity in the Hillsdale area.

Sandy Township

• A Brockport woman reported that her vehicle was hit and damaged while it was parked at Lowe’s Wednesday. A witness described the vehicle and driver, and officers were able to locate it at the Warehouse Bar. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• An employee of the Highland Street School reported finding a bottle of pills outside the building Wednesday.
• A 77-year-old DuBois woman lost control of her vehicle Thursday in the Eat ‘N Park parking lot, causing it to travel through the landscaping and hit the building. Moderate damage and no injuries to the driver or her passenger were reported, police said.

CLEARFIELD – An Allport man accused of cutting a hole in a security fence at a Wal-Mart store in an effort to steal merchandise waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday during centralized court.

Kyle V. Couturiaux, 26, is facing a felony retail theft charge and a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief as a result of his actions on April 27. He remains in the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail each in this case and a second retail theft case.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police received a report from the Wal-Mart in Sandy Township that a man tried to push a shopping cart out of a hole in the security fence. The suspect had left the cart and fled.

A Wal-Mart employee told police he saw the man in the store around 12:30 a.m. At that time, he was wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and was pushing a cart full of items. This man then put the cart around the area of the service desk and left the store.

He got into an older red Ford truck with a loud exhaust system. About 20 to 40 minutes later the truck was seen in the lot again. The same man was in the store but he had changed into a white sweatshirt, the employee said. This was later confirmed to be the same man who tried to push a cart through the hole in the fence.

The outside security fence had been cut in two vertical lines and then the fence was bungee corded up. Two shopping carts were found in that area. The one that the man was pushing had 24 items in it valued at $564.92. The other cart that was pushed all the way out and was in the access road to the rear of the store had 75 items valued at $1,082.46, according to the police report.

While police were still at the Wal-Mart store, they received a dispatch that a fire hydrant had been hit and was laying the middle of Industrial Drive. The investigating officers found that a vehicle had driven over a curb, through the grass and then hit the hydrant. This was on the same side of the lawn and garden area of Wal-Mart where the man had fled.

It appeared that the vehicle dragged the hydrant over 200 yards across the rear of the store. The hydrant became dislodged in the middle of the road. A bumper light was found near it.

The vehicle that struck the hydrant was now leaking a large amount of anti-freeze, leaving a trail across the parking lot, to Shaffer Road and State Route 255 to Interstate 80.

Officers followed this but were unable to find the vehicle, they said.

At 6 a.m. police received a call from state police that a disabled vehicle fitting the description of the truck was found on Interstate 80. It had severe damage to the front bumper and the radiator area. It had a bumper light identical to the one found earlier by the police. The truck was registered to Couturiaux.

After an officer reviewed surveillance footage, he was able to identify the suspect as Couturiaux because he had prior contact with him. Local authorities were contacted and arrangements were made for Couturiaux to meet with the investigating officer in the Morris-Cooper police station.

During his interview, Couturiaux told police he was in DuBois to meet someone for a date but she stood him up. He explained that when he was returning home the fan belt slipped off his truck, it became overheated and then disabled. He continued to talk about the truck while avoiding eye contact with the officer.

When the officer asked if he remembered him from two years ago, Couturiaux said he didn’t. The officer then told him he knew what happened and he needed to tell the truth.

Couturiaux then allegedly admitted he was in the DuBois Wal-Mart where he had loaded up a shopping cart. He said he got scared and left the cart in the store. He got into his truck, left the parking lot, changed his hat and put on a white sweatshirt before returning.

This time he allegedly loaded up two carts and took them to the garden center where he left them. He exited the store from the front entrance and drove his truck around the back and parked, he told police.

He walked to the outside of the garden center and cut the security fence with wire cutters. He was able to get one cart out of the fence and when he was pushing out the other cart, he saw an employee and fled. He said he did drive over the curb but thought he hit a traffic sign. He was unaware he hit a hydrant, he said.

State police at Clearfield

• State police investigated an alleged incident of indecent assault that occurred April 3 at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale in Woodward Township. Further, an inmate had made a report that he was sexually assaulted by a corrections officer during a routine search prior to him entering the law library in the academic building. The search was conducted due to the inmate previously stealing items and copying fake passes, state police said. Upon investigation state police determined the CO followed the correct protocol and didn’t sexually assault or harass the inmate.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a wallet that was found Friday on North Front Street in Philipsburg Borough. Further, state police located its owner and returned it.

State police at DuBois

• State police learned that on May 3 a 50-year-old man failed to register under the requirements of Megan’s Law required for transients. It was later found out that the man had died April 14.
• State police received a report about the alleged theft of services Tuesday on Interstate 80 eastbound in Union Township. During the incident, a Columbus, Ohio man was parked along I-80 and state police stopped to see if he needed any assistance. He advised state police that he was out of gas, and they notified a towing service. Upon arrival a towing service provided him gasoline, and he provided a credit card for payment. When an employee of the towing service went back to their vehicle, the man fled the area and his credit card was declined. However, he was located by state police at Clearfield and lodged in the county Jail to await arraignment for theft of services.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about a domestic simple assault that occurred Monday on Elderberry Hill Road in Bell Township. During the incident, a Punxsutawney male engaged in an argument with the victim and allegedly subjected her to unwanted physical contact. The male was arrested for simple assault and harassment, and the victim was also cited for harassment. State police are continuing their investigation of the incident at this time.

State police at Philipsburg

• On June 4 a wallet containing various cards was found at Sheetz and brought to the state police. Anyone who may have lost it at the Sheetz store on Front Streets and Route 53 may contact state police at Philipsburg at 814-342-3370.
• State police received a report about an incident of scattering rubbish that occurred between April 20 and May 9 on Dike Street in Rush Township. Two teens were cited for their alleged involvement in the incident, state police said.

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Monday on North Front Street in Philipsburg Borough. During the incident, someone who operated a white Nissan Cube allegedly damaged an aluminum gas funnel belonging to Centre County Government. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Philipsburg at 814-342-3370.

Clearfield Borough

• Police were called about a broken glass bottle located along Bridge Street near CVS Pharmacy. Police responded and removed the glass from the roadway.
• Police were notified of a harassment complaint. Further, police were able to handle the situation over the phone.
• Police received a report about the alleged theft of jewelry. It was recovered and police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police reported that eggs were thrown at a vehicle while it was parked along East Market Street.
• Police assisted a resident along Daisy Street who had locked their keys inside of their vehicle
• Police were called to South Second Street for an alleged altercation between two drivers. However, the actor had left the scene prior to police arrival.
• Police responded to an alleged domestic dispute along Boyer Street. Upon arrival police found that the altercation was not physical, and they were able to handle the incident at the scene.
• Police handled a trespassing complaint along South Second Street.
• Police were unable to locate a suspicious vehicle that was reportedly being driven along Martin Street.
• Police arrested a male for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs after he, along with a female passenger, were found passed out along South Second Street. The female had an active arrest warrant from the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office, police said.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a traffic hazard in the area of Flegal Road.
• Police received a report about a traffic hazard in the area of Golden Rod.
• Police received a report about an automatic fire alarm in the area of Meadow Road.
• Clearfield Borough police were assisted in the area of Ogden Avenue.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of trespassing in the area of Olde Mill Lane.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment by communications at the Economy Inn.
• Police received a report about found drug paraphernalia at the Sapp Bros. Truck Stop.
• Police received a report about the alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
• Police assisted an Illinois female who was involved in an incident.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle on Mount Joy Road.
• Police received a report about an attempted incident of theft by deception on Martin Street Extension.
• Police responded, along with the fire department, to a structure fire on Nelson Road.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male on Martin Street Extension.

DuBois City

• Police are investigating the alleged theft of prescription medications from a residence in the 500 block of Maple Avenue. There wasn’t any forced entry, and it’s believed that a known person committed the theft, police said.
• A 20-year-old woman was allegedly struck and shoved by another woman while at the City Park on Monday.  The actor is the ex-girlfriend of the victim’s boyfriend, police said.  Charges will be filed against her as a result of the incident.
• A 20-year-old DuBois woman was arrested for retail theft after she allegedly stole a $4.29 package of hamburger from Giant Eagle on Monday.  She was also found to have allegedly stolen batteries from the Family Dollar, which is located next door.
• On Monday a 10-year-old girl who was crossing West Washington Avenue on her bicycle was struck by a 1999 Toyota Corolla operated by an unlicensed 20-year-old DuBois woman.  Charges will be filed against the operator of the vehicle; the girl was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries, police said.  Officers were assisted at the scene by the DuBois City Fire Department.
• On Monday someone was reportedly shining a laser light into vehicles, as they were traveling by on West DuBois Avenue.  It was believed to be coming from a residence in the area of McClure Street, police said.  Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the source of the light.
• An alarm was activated at the Fort Worth Restaurant, located on West Long Avenue, on Tuesday.  The alarm was accidentally set by employees of the establishment, police said.
• On Tuesday a domestic dispute occurred in the first block of South State Street between a 26-year-old woman and her 26-year-old boyfriend. It was found to be a verbal argument, and she went to stay with friends, police said.
• A 52-year-old woman was reportedly intoxicated and causing a disturbance in an establishment Tuesday on West Washington Avenue.  She was escorted from the property and released to her sober friend.

(Provided photo)

(Provided photo)

CURWENSVILLE – State police at Clearfield are seeking the public’s assistance with an investigation into a reported burglary at the Curwensville Uni-Mart.

The burglary occurred May 13 and state police are seeking assistance with identifying the individual shown in the surveillance photographs. Anyone with information is asked to call 814-857-3800.

Please reference incident number PA16-197068.

(Provided photo)

(Provided photo)

DUBOIS – A Punxsutawney man has been charged with allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman in a parking lot.

Kyle Douglas Sutter, 21, was charged by DuBois City police with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment as a result of his actions on Mary 26 at the Pershing parking lot.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, at 9:54 p.m. police were dispatched to the scene for a fight in progress. When they arrived, they saw a woman laying on the ground and several other individuals walking in and around the lot. A male was also seen running away by one officer who attempted to find him.

A second officer spoke with the victim who said she was walking across the street when she saw Sutter assaulting his girlfriend. She went to the lot in an attempt to stop him. As the she approached him, he “flipped out,” she stated, and started punching her with a closed fist. She fell to the ground and Sutter allegedly started to kick her in the stomach.

An ambulance was called for the victim who is seven months pregnant. She said her back hurt and she wanted to be sure her baby was OK, police said. The officer noticed the victim had red marks on her back consistent with being punched with a closed fist. She was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois for treatment, according to the report.

Several other witnesses allegedly saw Sutter strike the victim twice in the back of the head and twice in the back with a closed fist. They also stated they witnessed him kick her once in the stomach while she was on the ground.

Three of these witnesses said they saw Sutter arguing with the victim and saw the victim fall to the ground. One of the witnesses said she saw Sutter strike the victim in the face with a closed fist, throw her down and kick her in the stomach.

When the first officer made contact with Sutter, he told the officer the victim crossed the street and punched him. He stated he became angry and then struck and kicked her.

Sutter’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 8.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man who was recently busted for allegedly having a marijuana growing operation waived his right to a preliminary hearing in two cases during Centralized Court on Wednesday at the Clearfield County Jail.

Trevor L. Hartley-Miele, 30, of Clearfield has been charged with two counts of simple assault, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct and one count of intentional possession of a controlled substance.

For this case, his bail was $10,000 monetary but modified to supervised, unsecured at his preliminary hearing.

In a second case, Miele has been charged with intentional possession of a controlled substance.

For this case, his bail was $1,000 monetary but also modified to supervised, unsecured, according to online court documents.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 1 Clearfield Borough police were dispatched to check the welfare of Miele at a Daisy Street residence.

Police were advised by county dispatch that a family member had received a text message from Miele, who stated he was bleeding and in need of help.

A borough officer responded to the scene with assistance from township police and a constable. Upon arrival police observed an open upstairs window and items littered on the lawn.

A township officer took position to observe the window; the constable went to the rear of the residence. A borough officer went to the front door, knocked and announced “police.”

When the officer called out for Miele, he heard a commotion inside of the residence. A township officer then observed Miele in the upstairs window holding a rifle.

The rifle was later found to be a Winchester .22-caliber semi-auto that wasn’t loaded, according to the affidavit.

Officers ordered Miele to drop the weapon, which he did. They also observed that he was bleeding “profusely” from his left hand. He was still in close proximity to the weapon at this time.

An officer forced entry through the front door while others observed Miele. Once inside an officer detained Miele and escorted him from the residence.  Emergency personnel were summoned to treat a large laceration on his hand.

While at the scene, police observed a strong odor of marijuana and conducted a protective sweep of the residence. It allegedly turned up 15 marijuana plants and paraphernalia used to cultivate them.

Miele told police he heard them at the front door but felt his brother had arrived and he was going to kill him. He also stated he’d punched a glass coffee pot, which caused the laceration.

“[Miele] was obviously under the influence of an illegal substance,” police stated in the affidavit.  He was observed “sweating profusely, very agitated, paranoid and hyper all to the degree that he was a danger to himself and others.”

Police observed where he had destroyed a dresser and punched holes in the walls inside of the residence.

On June 2 police were dispatched to a domestic argument between Miele and his brother.  Police stated it was believed if immediate action wasn’t taken that Miele could have the means to harm his brother.

Miele was subsequently taken into custody and charges were presented to the magistrate for his arraignment. Miele was allegedly found to be under the influence of an illegal substance and taken to the hospital for an evaluation prior to arraignment.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred sometime Tuesday or Wednesday on Sarah Street in Decatur Township. During the incident, someone allegedly punctured three tires on the victim’s vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a call regarding alleged harassment that was occurring over text-messaging. Police spoke to the actor in the case and warned him of his actions.
• Police assisted a motorist who had locked their keys in their vehicle along Clearfield Street.
• Police were called to the river walk area for young juveniles being out past curfew. Police responded and the juveniles were gone.

Lawrence Township

• Police received several reports about alleged incidents of theft by unlawful taking that occurred at a local nursing home.
• Police received a report about a traffic violation on the Rockton Mountain Highway.
• Police conducted a warrant service after a traffic stop.
• Police received a report about an alleged domestic dispute on Williams Road.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment by communications and fraud. During the incident, a caller claimed to owe money to the victim for correcting a computer issue. The caller, police said, is willing to pay a large amount and wants the victim to return a portion, which is a scam.
• Police received a report about a traffic violation on Route 879.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of retail theft that occurred at the Clearfield Mall.
• Police responded to an activated alarm at Wal-Mart that was determined to be accidental.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle along Route 879. It was found to be disabled, police said.

Curwensville Borough

• Police received a report about an alleged incident of retail theft that occurred May 22 at the Dollar General. It remains under investigation.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment Tuesday. However, it was found to have occurred outside of Curwensville.
• Police reported that an African-American adult male and juvenile were in the Uni-Mart store on State Street on June 2. The juvenile, police say, reached under the display items on the counter and removed an inventory scanner valued at more than $800.
• Police reported that a minor crash occurred at the intersection of Thompson and South streets. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene, police said.
• Police received a report about an alleged Protection from Abuse order violation Tuesday. However, it was unfounded by police.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle in the State Street area Tuesday. It left prior to police arrival. Police say the driver was to have been observing persons in the area of State and Filbert streets.

Sandy Township

• On Monday a Penfield man was allegedly assaulted after he confronted a Reynoldsville man for driving erratically and nearly striking his vehicle near the Wine & Spirits store in the Sandy Plaza. Witnesses told police that when the Reynoldsville man’s passenger began choking the Penfield man, the Penfield man’s wife came to his defense by attacking the passenger. The two actors were fleeing the scene upon police arrival; however, they were able to pull the men over. Police determined the two men had been drinking. After the driver failed field sobriety testing, he was transported to Penn Highlands for a legal blood draw.  Charges are currently pending in the incident, police said.
• A 55-year-old Treasure Lake woman reported she rear-ended a vehicle driven by a 54-year-old DuBois man Monday. Moderate damage and no injuries were reported, police said.
• On Monday a 65-year-old DuBois woman reported that she was contacted by someone using an automated message regarding shutting off power to her Falls Creek residence. She contacted Penelec’s main office, which advised it was a scam and to contact police.
• A 21-year-old Stump Creek Woman alleged that while doing a court-ordered custody exchange Tuesday at the Blinker Sheetz, her estranged husband confronted and physically assaulted her in violation of a Protection from Abuse order. He was later picked up by Punxsutawney police and turned over to Sandy Township police. He was charged and transported to county jail to await arraignment.
• While on routine patrol Tuesday, police observed a dirt bike with a loud exhaust and without a registration plate traveling at a high rate of speed up Route 255 in the area of Treasure Lake. When the officer turned around and attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly continued to travel in an effort to flee from him. When the driver increased speed and traveled off the road, the pursuit was ended due to safety risks, police said. Police recognized the driver from previous incidents and charges are pending at this time.
• A tractor-trailer was seen hitting two other tractor-trailers while it was attempting to park in the Pilot parking lot Tuesday. Officers handled the situation without incident.

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County Domestic Relations periodically reports the names of people who are wanted on a bench warrant for owing back child support and/or court costs.

The following names are published in an effort to assist in the apprehension of people who owe past-due support payments. This list will continue to be published on a regular basis on GANT.

Anyone who may have information concerning any of the people listed is asked to call Clearfield County Domestic Relations at 814-765-5339, Extension 344. All calls will remain anonymous.

Clearfield County Domestic Relations		Contact DRO by E-mail
Photo (if provided)	Name	Last Known Address	Violation
	Kellee Barnhart	DuBois	Bench Warrant
	Jamie Bortz	DuBois	Bench Warrant
	Matthew O. Clyde	West Decatur	Bench Warrant
	Christina M. Dixon	Florida	Bench Warrant
	Candace M. Gillingham	Grampian	Bench Warrant
	Vernon Hubler	Philipsburg	Bench Warrant
	Shayla L. Kempton	Punxsutawney	Bench Warrant
	John H. Kirkland	Philipsburg	Bench Warrant
	Jeffrey L. Laing	Coalport	Bench Warrant
	Reymond J. Ley		Bench Warrant
	Michael A. Little	Winburne	Bench Warrant
	Eric J.Lockett	Grassflat	Bench Warrant
	Ronald L. Maines Jr.	Rockton	Bench Warrant
	Henry W. Martell III	Morrisdale	Bench Warrant
	Tina McCartney	DuBois	Bench Warrant
	Robert J. McKinney Jr.	Philipsburg	Bench Warrant
	Justin A. Millinder	Woodland	Bench Warrant
	Ray A. Pinto Jr.	Hawk Run or Weitoish	Bench Warrant
	Kevin E. Ruhl	Penfield	Bench Warrant
	Dale E. Shaffer	Olanta	Bench Warrant
	Jeremy M. Sipe	Clearfield	Bench Warrant
	Kenneth D. Smith	Olanta	Bench Warrant
	Todd S Smith	Brisbin	Bench Warrant
	Jeremy Snyder	Weston, W.Va.	Bench Warrant
	Nicholas J. Strickland	Houtzdale	Bench Warrant
	Joshua W. Sweitzer	DuBois	Bench Warrant
	Adam R. Thomas	Clearfield	Bench Warrant
	Mark A. Walsh	DuBois	Bench Warrant
	William L. Waring Jr	Curwensville	Bench Warrant
	David L. Williams	Johnsonburg	Bench Warrant
	Joshua D. Wilson	DuBois	Bench Warrant

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime May 28-30 at Chapman Auto Parts in Brady Township. During the incident, someone allegedly stole four aftermarket chrome/black wheels with tires. State police are continuing their investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.
• State police received a report about deceptive business practices that occurred Nov. 2, 2010 at the Lakelawn Memorial Park in Winslow Township. Further, the victim signed a contract to purchase a bronze marker and granite base and paid a sum of $2,845. As of this date, they allegedly haven’t been ordered and placed at the gravesite. However, state police said prosecution has been declined due to the fact that the case is beyond the five-year statute of limitations.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime between Tuesday and Thursday at a River Road residence in Millstone Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed two kayaks from the riverbank. One is pink and the other is orange, and their total value is $500, state police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Ridgway at 814-776-6136.

Clearfield Borough

• Police observed a male along East Locust Street who held an active arrest warrant for failure to pay on fines. Police subsequently made contact with him.
• Police received a report about a cell phone that was lost in mail transit. Upon speaking to the victim, police learned that it had been located and was not missing.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment that had occurred on the roadway near Bridge Street.
• Police assisted emergency personnel with a mental health patient along Reed Street. The male was transported to the hospital for treatment.
• Police responded to East Market Street for a vehicle that had drifted backward, striking a light pole causing damage. Police advised that no injuries were reported, and that the vehicle could be driven from the scene.
• Police had a wallet turned into them after it was located along South Second Street. Further, police located the owner and returned their wallet.
• A cell phone was returned to the owner after it was located along Bigler Avenue.
• Police were called to Nichols Street for a suspicious male who was sitting outside a residence. Police made contact with the male and found a probation violation.  The male was transported to the jail per the request of probation, police said.

Decatur Township

• Police attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation; however, it fled the area. It was located and the female driver was found to have warrants. She was transported to Clearfield Borough police on the outstanding warrants.
• Police have received additional phone calls about the IRS scam. Police would like to advise residents not to provide any personal information by phone.
• Police spoke to a male in reference to child custody issues.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment that occurred when a male acted disorderly with a female who had left her dog in her vehicle at the Peebles Plaza. The female told police that the dog was not in any harm.
• Police responded to the area of Dollar General, Houtzdale, for a truck that had pulled wires down. No injuries were reported as a result, and police cleared the scene without further incident.
• Police were contacted by a female in reference to persons blaming her for stealing medications.

Editor’s Note: GANT is working with local law enforcement agencies throughout Clearfield County to develop a listing of persons for whom there are arrest warrants. Anyone with information about wanted persons is asked to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. GANT will update its warrant page the second Friday of each month based upon information provided by the participating law enforcement agencies.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred Sunday on Main Street in Bradford Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took a Remington 12-guage shotgun and a Henry 22-rifle after entering the victim’s residence through a window. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police investigated an incident of drug possession Friday at a Cecil Hurd Highway residence in Newburg Borough. While serving a felony warrant on a Houtzdale man for failure to register as a sex offender, he was taken into custody and found to have a bag of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $2,714.72 in cash. Charges are currently pending at this time, state police said.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime Thursday or Friday at a construction site along Routes 879 and 970 in Goshen Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took six transition panels from the site. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred June 3 on Perks Street in Decatur Township. During the incident, someone allegedly claimed to be a Comcast employee and proceeded to take three or four receivers from the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft from a motor vehicle that occurred Friday or Saturday in a parking area adjacent to Best Sleep in Decatur Township. During the incident, the victim’s vehicle was parked overnight, and someone allegedly broke into it and took a large amount of cash and checks. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of indecent assault that occurred May 21 in Bigler Township. It was received from Children & Youth Services in regards to a 10-year-old who was allegedly inappropriately touched. Upon investigation state police determined it was unfounded.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred June 4 at the Wal-Mart store in Fox Township. During the incident, a Johnsonburg woman entered the store and allegedly removed items without paying the full value. She then fled the scene.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a complaint from a female who alleged a known male was harassing her by sending her unwanted text messages. He was advised to stop or he would be arrested, police said.
• Police responded to South Second Street and removed several road cones from the roadway. The road cones had been moved and created a traffic hazard.
• Police received a report from a female who alleged her ex-husband was harassing her by communication.
• Police located an intoxicated male walking on Spruce Street. The male was released to a sober adult and cited for the violation, police said.
• Police responded to West Front Street for an alleged domestic dispute between a mother and son. Upon arrival police found that the mother was causing a disturbance due to her disapproval of her adult daughter’s decision. Her son then stepped into de-escalate the incident, according to police, who spoke to both about their actions.
• Police received information on a possible drunken motorist but were unable to locate the vehicle.
• Police responded to High Street for a possible attempted suicide. Upon arrival police located the individual and he was taken to Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
• Police received a report about a loud truck that travels on Spruce Street.
• Police assisted Lawrence Township police who were dispatched for a report about a large fight.
• Police assisted a stranded motorist with a flat tire.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Front and East Market streets. Emergency personnel and the Clearfield Fire Department assisted police.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male who was to be around a residence in the 500 block of South Second Street during the early-morning hours.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment that occurred in the area of Whiskey Hill Road.
• Police received a report about a single-vehicle accident on 21^st
• Police received numerous reports about an IRS phone scam. Further, police would like to remind residents not to provide any personal information.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle at the Travel Lodge.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle on Route 879 near the Checkerboard Bridge.
• Police received a report about an alarm on Evergreen Road.
• Police received an animal complaint on the Rockton Mountain Highway.
• Police received a report about an alarm on Bowman’s Hill Road.
• Police received a report about keys found in the area of the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of theft from a local business on Route 879 westbound.
• Police conducted numerous warrant services and the people were housed at the county jail.
• Police received a burning complaint that occurred in the area of Riverview Road.
• Police received a burning complaint that occurred in the area of Joseph Road.
• Police received a report about an alleged domestic dispute in the area of Indian Road.
• Police received a report about an alleged theft in the area of Goshen Road.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of an individual on Patton Street.
• Police received a report about a hit-and-run accident on Plaza Drive.
• Police received a report about a wallet that was allegedly stolen at the McDonald’s on South Second Street.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of disorderly conduct/terroristic threats in the area of Route 879/Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
• Police responded to an alleged incident of simple assault/disorderly conduct at the Economy Inn.
• Police received a report about an unattended vehicle in the area of Elliott’s Park.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Long John Silvers.
• Police responded to the Uni-Mart on Washington Avenue for a report about a missing/found child.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of disorderly conduct at Goodwill.
• Police received a report about an alleged drug violation at Edgewood.
• Police received a report about a traffic complaint/hazard in the area of Route 879/Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
• Police received a report about found property in the area of Kennedy Road.
• Police conducted a warrant service in the area of Linden and Chester streets. Further, police transported a male to the county jail as a result.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Bowman’s Hill Road.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of retail theft that occurred at the Wal-Mart Supercenter.
• Police received a report to an alleged incident of theft from a motor vehicle at Edgewood.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle at the Family Dollar Store, which resulted in a warrant service. Further, police transported a male to the county jail as a result.

Curwensville Borough

• Police received a report about a traffic violation on River Street.
• Police responded to the Curwensville Commons for a person who was threatening self-harm. Upon investigation police found they had gone to the hospital.
• Police apprehended a Curwensville man for allegedly stealing a case of soda at the Dollar General. Charges will be filed as a result, police said.

Fugitive of the Week: Duane Kephart (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week.

Shaw identified the fugitive as Duane Harvey Kephart, 38, of Goshen Road, Clearfield. Kephart is wanted for failure to appear at sentencing court May 24.

On Sept. 13, 2015, Trooper Justin Yost of the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield barracks, filed a criminal complaint in which he charged Kephart with driving under the influence of alcohol, M1, and related traffic offenses.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, while on routine patrol Aug. 30, 2015, Yost observed a driver allegedly weaving their vehicle within its lane and leave its lane of travel on three, separate occasions.

As a result, state police conducted a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Kephart, state police allegedly detected signs of impairment. After conducting a series of field sobriety tests, Kephart was transported to the Clearfield barracks for a breath test.

A preliminary hearing was held Oct. 21, 2015, at which time all charges were held to court. On May 24 Kephart failed to appear at sentencing court, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Kephart is described as a Caucasian male standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall. He has brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with knowledge of Kephart’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred Thursday or Friday on High Street in Unionville Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly entered the victim’s unsecured residence and removed prescription medication. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Philipsburg at 814-342-3370.

Sandy Township

• A vehicle driven by an 81-year-old Luthersburg woman hit the back of a delivery truck that was parked in front of Lowe’s on Friday. No injuries and minor damage were reported, police said.
• On Saturday a 40-year-old Jefferson Avenue woman reported that her son returned home intoxicated and started a fight with his brother so she kicked him out. He then allegedly returned and was banging on doors and broke the glass trying to get back in.  However, he was gone upon police arrival.
• Police received a report about a 3-year-old boy who wandered into an Ollie Lane residence Saturday. Upon arrival officers were able to follow the child to his residence on Hanes Drive.  Upon arrival it was determined the child was being watched by an uncle and his girlfriend, and neither of whom was aware that the boy had left the residence. Child neglect charges are pending, and Children & Youth Services was called in to investigate the case.
• A Crater Road resident reported one of his steers escaped from a fenced area on his farm, and he was unable to find it Saturday. However, the steer was returned prior to police arrival.
• On Saturday a 75-year-old Spot Road woman reported that her carpet scrubber, push mower and prescription pills were missing from her home. She suspected a 24-year-old man who helped her around the house; the carpet scrubber and mower were returned the next day, police said. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about a woman wearing a white shirt and plaid shorts running in and out of traffic on DuBois Rockton Road on Saturday. However, the woman was gone upon police arrival.
• A Clear Run Road resident reported that someone crashed into to the vehicle parked in his driveway Sunday, causing major damage and then left the scene. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• When officers made a routine traffic stop near West Liberty Road on Sunday, they found the driver was driving on a suspended license and had a bench warrant out for his arrest. He was taken into custody, which was transferred to the sheriff’s office.
• Police received a report about a vehicle in which the driver and passengers were acting suspiciously Sunday. Officers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop after following it to Wal-Mart. Officers determined the passengers were allegedly under the influence, and a 25-year-old Gipsy woman was transported to Penn Highlands due to overdosing. Illegal drugs were found in the vehicle and charges are pending, police said.

DuBois City

• On Friday someone allegedly keyed a 2001 Volkswagen Passat, which was parked in the 100 block of Robinson Street.  Police are investigating the incident at this time.
• A 34-year-old DuBois man threw a tomato at the door of a residence located in the 100 block of South Franklin Street. This, police said, occurred after he was told he’d have to hurry in the shower with the homeowner to leave Friday. He didn’t cause any damage as a result, and he wasn’t arrested for the incident.
• A 53-year-old DuBois woman was yelling near the intersection of South Franklin Street and West Washington Avenue Friday.  She was found to be upset because her daughter’s boyfriend had taken her car, and her cigarettes were inside of it. Officers advised her to keep it down; no further action was taken by them.
• A DuBois man who was selling a furnace received a check in the mail for a significant amount more than he was asking for on Friday. The person who sent the check allegedly advised him to cash it and send the rest to a Montana address.  Officers advised that the check wouldn’t be any good, and that it was a scam trying to get him to cash a bad check.  Police are currently investigating the incident at this time.
• A city officer stopped a 2013 Volkswagen Passat for traffic violations Saturday.  During the stop, the officer determined the driver, a 21-year-old Big Run woman, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.  She was arrested and taken to Penn Highlands DuBois for a blood sample.  Charges are pending the result of toxicology results.
• A 45-year-old Grampian man was arrested after he allegedly kicked his ex-girlfriend’s door located in the 100 block of East Long Avenue Saturday.  He had been drinking and was found to be on probation, police said.  He was placed in the Clearfield County Jail on a probation detainer.
• A 52-year-old woman alleged her 18-year-old son had assaulted her at their residence in the 300 block of Quarry Avenue.  Police are investigating the incident at this time.
• An alarm was activated at an apartment in the first block of West Long Avenue Sunday.  The alarm was found to be malfunctioning, police said.
• Officers were dispatched to an alarm at Kohlhepp’s located on Dubois Street.  Upon arrival, they were cancelled by a key holder.
• A 33-year-old DuBois woman and her 37-year-old husband were arguing while traveling on Beaver Drive Sunday. She jumped out of their moving vehicle and walked the other way, and officers located her on Shaffer Road.  She was unharmed and her husband returned in their vehicle.  Police found they had been arguing, and there hadn’t been any physical contact.  No arrests were made as a result, and the woman left with her husband, according to police.
• A 21-year-old DuBois man was arguing with his girlfriend and allegedly punched out a window in her vehicle Sunday.  He left before police arrived at the scene but was located several blocks away. Police found him lying on his side and bleeding from his arm; he was also found to be highly intoxicated.  He was unable to stand without assistance, police said.  An ambulance was called to the scene and he was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois for treatment of his injury as well as his level of intoxication.  Charges are currently pending in the incident, according to police.
• On Sunday an alarm was activated at Kurt Johnson Auto Sales located on North Franklin Street.  Officers responded and found the building was secured.  An employee responded and advised he had accidentally set it off, police said.
• Someone allegedly forced entry into a residence in the 300 block of South Brady Street and stole a game console Sunday. Police are investigating the incident at this time.
• A 35-year-old DuBois man was allegedly assaulted by his 33-year-old brother at a residence in the 600 block of Chestnut Avenue on Sunday.  Officers located the actor who was hiding in a closet under clothing and a picture frame. He allegedly became aggressive and combative toward officers, and a taser charge was deployed to take him into custody.  He was placed in the Clearfield County Jail on a probation detainer and will be charged with the assault of his brother and other charges, police said.

CLEARFIELD – A state prison inmate in court for an appeal hearing Friday threw himself down on the floor, refused to participate and had to be carried from the courtroom.

During Motions Court Monday, President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman said Joseph Knauss, 31, claimed he was sick because instead of receiving his suboxone, he was given a placebo at the State Correctional Institute in Houtzdale that day. He slumped to the floor and refused to participate.

“When I left, he was still laying there,” Ammerman said before asking two of the sheriff deputies to put on the record what occurred after he left the courtroom.

Sheriff Deputy Mike Rowles said Knauss was given multiple opportunities to walk out on his own, but eventually the officers carried him out for a short distance and then put him down.

Ammerman noted that he saw Knauss as they passed his office and heard him saying “ow” repeatedly.

Rowles said they asked him if he wouldn’t rather walk than be carried, but they ended up carrying him to the courthouse annex building. There they put him down and explained how difficult the steps would be.

That was when he got up and walked. Once they were outside, Rowles said there were people there and Knauss again began to “act up.”

Knauss went limp and they had to hold him so he wouldn’t hurt himself by hitting the brick building or the sidewalk. As he was carried to the sheriff’s vehicle, he started yelling, claiming he was injured and had been thrown down the stairs, he said.

They put him in the back seat of the vehicle, head first. He immediately sat up on his own and was fine on the return trip, Rowles said, which was similar to how he was when they had transported him to the courthouse earlier that afternoon.

Once they reached the prison and the corrections officers approached the vehicle, he refused to get out of the car. These officers read Knauss their procedures for this type of situation and when he still refused to get out, they sprayed him with pepper spray. He screamed that he had been injured and couldn’t move.

“They ripped him out of the car,” Rowles said as they took possession of Knauss. All of this was recorded.

Rowles said he and the other deputy were warned of this kind of behavior was possible with Knauss when they picked him up at the prison.

Ammerman asked Deputy Mark Coudriet if he had anything to add. Coudriet stated that Knauss is not even a drug addict (and would not need suboxone) and his claims that they injured him were unfounded.

Rowles explained that while Knauss was in the holding room waiting for the hearing that they constantly checked on him. He never asked for anything or claimed to be sick, he said. He even saw Knauss get up and walk around with nothing to indicate he was having any problems.

Ammerman shook his head stating, “I don’t know that I’ve ever had anyone throw themselves on the floor and refuse to participate before.”

Knauss, who was representing himself, was scheduled for a hearing on a petition filed under the Post Conviction Relief Act.

In that case, Knauss pleaded guilty to simple assault in August of 2015 and was sentenced to six months to one year in prison. This sentence was to run consecutive to his current sentence of four to eight years for aggravated assault from Lehigh County.

Kevin Michael Kight (Provided photo)

JEFFERSON COUNTY (EYT) – Punxsutawney-based State Police’s criminal investigation unit filed a slew of charges today against two area residents accused of various sex crimes involving a child.

State police filed additional charges against 42-year-old Kevin Michael Kight, of Punxsutawney, and 41-year-old Rebecca Caroline Gardner of Indiana, Pa., in connection with an ongoing investigation involving the sexual abuse of children.

State police say the investigation was initiated after pornographic images were discovered on a cell phone belonging to Kight.

Following the execution of search warrants on the residences of Kight and Gardner, various electronic devices were seized, including cellular phones and computers.

It was later determined that Kight exchanged Facebook messages with Gardner to allegedly arrange a sexual encounter with a 4-year-old female.

In addition to the messages, at least 500 photographs of the victim were discovered on Kight’s computer. The photographs depicted the victim in various stages of nudity, state police say.

Gardner is accused of taking and sending at least 89 photographs of the child to Kight.

Kight has been charged with following offenses:

• Criminal Solicitation/Rape, one count
• Criminal Solicitation/Statutory Sexual Assault, one count
• Criminal Solicitation/Sexual Assault, one count
• Criminal Solicitation/Indecent Assault, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Rape, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Statutory Sexual Assault, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Sexual Assault, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Indecen Assault, one count
• Sexual Abuse of Children, 500 counts
• Criminal Solicitation/Sexual Abuse of Children, 500 counts

Gardner has been charged with the following offenses:

• Criminal Solicitation/Rape, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Statutory Sexual Assault, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Sexual Assault, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Indecent Assault, one count
• Criminal Conspiracy/Sexual Abuse of Children, one count
• Sexual Abuse of Children/Photographing, Videotaping, Depicting on Computer or Filming Sexual Acts, 89 counts
• Sexual Abuse of Children/Dissemination of Photographs, Videotapes, Computer Depictions and Films, 89 counts

The charges were filed at Magisterial District Judge Robert Chambers’ office in Punxsutawney.

Kight and Gardner remain lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.

Punxsutawney-based state police were assisted in the investigation by members of PSP-Indiana, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson County Children & Youth Services, Indiana County Children & Youth Services and the Indiana County Child Advocacy Center.

Kight is also facing charges in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. Court documents show that jury selection in that case was slated for yesterday but had to be cancelled. There is no word on when the trial will take place.

Stay with exploreJeffersonPA.com for continuous coverage of this Breaking News Story.

CLEARFIELD – A Savannah, Ga., woman accused of having drugs, a large amount of cash and a gun in a local hotel room was sentenced Monday during colloquy court in Clearfield County.

Carema Lashandra Brown, 27, an inmate of the jail, pleaded guilty to an ungraded felony count of criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and firearm not to be carried without a license.

President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman sentenced her to 120 days to one year in jail and two years consecutive probation. She was fined $250 plus costs and due to the felony charge, she must submit to DNA testing at a cost of $250.

The charges stem from an incident at the Clarion Hotel in Sandy Township on Dec. 26 when police were called to investigate a drug overdose and found Brown with Charles Aaron Best. After returning to the room a second time, they found drug paraphernalia and drug packaging materials. Brown had more than $1,300 in cash and fake identification cards.

Best, 33, also from Savannah, Ga., pleaded guilty in May to criminal attempt/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility and received the same sentence as Brown. In a second case, he pleaded guilty to possession of a small amount of marijuana and was fined $25 plus costs.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, when police arrived, a female was unconscious on the floor and barely breathing but she did have a slow pulse.

An officer administered a sternum rub in attempt to wake her up. After about 15 minutes, she began to breathe normally and she asked what was going on.

The other occupants of the room, including Brown, told her she had overdosed on heroin. She was taken by ambulance to Penn Highlands DuBois. Police then left the scene.

About two hours later, police were dispatched to the same hotel room for a disturbance with a male and a stolen pistol. Shortly after knocking, Brown answered the door.

An officer could see the room was a mess with items all over the place. It looked as if a disturbance was taking place. The officer ordered Brown out of the room and then entered where he found two men, one of whom was Best.

These men were both standing upright and immediately complied with the command to place their hands up. The man who was with Best was ordered out first and he told them he had a knife on his right hip. This was seized.

Best was ordered out of the room into the hallway. The officer then conducted a security sweep of the room to see if anyone else was in the room.

The three occupants were patted down. Multiple knives were removed from Best and the other man who was with him. An electric incapacitating device was removed from Brown. It was determined Brown was the owner of the room and another adjacent room. She was asked to consent to a search of the rooms and she did.

When an officer tried to open the second room with a key, they found it to be locked from the inside. They knocked on the door. Brown was asked who was in the room.

She said she did not believe it was even her room, because she had moved from that room into the current room. Hotel staff had informed police the second room was also rented by Brown.

Officers forced entry into the room by kicking the door and then by using a ballistic shield. They found Fred Springer, who was wanted by Jefferson County hiding beside the bed. He was found to be under the influence of drugs.

A search of the bags and a red cooler within the first room uncovered a digital scale, a container with a large amount of small plastic bags, a piece of copper screen commonly used as a filter, and a glass pipe containing residue.

The officers also found another electrical incapacitating device, a blow torch, which is often used to create heat to use a methamphetamine pipe, a melted ladle with residue, a folding pocket knife, and an unmarked pill bottle with a small packet of unidentified pills in a duffle bag.

Also found in the room were glass pipes with residue that tested positive as methamphetamine, a bag of small plastic bags, a pipe screen, a small amount of marijuana, a digital scale, a mirror, two propane canisters, four different cell phones, and a metal tube used for ingesting drugs.

Best had three stamp bags with drug residue, a glass pipe with residue, $367 in cash and Brown had multiple access device cards, identification cards not in her name and $1,370 in cash.

The charges in Best’s second case were filed after incidents that occurred as Brown and Best were transported to the county jail. According to that affidavit, both of them were acting suspicious in the back of the patrol car. Brown was moving all around and saying that she was uncomfortable. When they were asked what they were doing, they didn’t respond.

Best at one point stated he found some small plastic baggies in the parking lot that he had picked up so no little kids would get them and had put them in his pocket.

After they arrived at the jail, an officer asked a female officer to search Brown thoroughly because she might be concealing contraband.

Best was placed up against the wall and a small baggie of marijuana fell from his left pants leg. He commented “someone left some weed on the floor.” The officer told him he saw it fall from his pant leg and then he checked Best’s right pant leg. Here the officer found a large plastic baggie and plastic baggies in his sock.

When the patrol vehicle was searched, an officer found a loaded nine millimeter handgun under the seat where Best had been seated. Brown issued a written confession that she had the handgun in her possession in her pants. An investigation determined that Best had the gun and it was collateral for a drug sale by Best and Brown.