DUBOIS – An out-of-state couple is facing charges after attempting to and using counterfeit money at DuBois businesses Saturday, reported Sandy Township police.

According to police, employees of Sally Beauty reported that a woman had attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill to purchase items in the store. 

Police said the employee, however, recognized it as counterfeit and would not allow the woman to complete the transaction. The woman left the store and got into a Hyundai with out-of-state plates. 

When police arrived in the area, there was another report regarding the same woman allegedly using counterfeit money at Petco. 

Police located the suspect vehicle parked outside the TJ Maxx store. Officers apprehended the woman and a man who was with her when they returned.

Upon searching the vehicle, an envelope allegedly full of $500 in counterfeit $50 and $100 bills was found along with several bags of merchandise from stores from the Commons and Wal-Mart.

According to police, $2,000 worth of counterfeit currency was recovered from five businesses.  

Charges were filed against the woman, 38, and the man, 27, both of Michigan. Neither was identified by police in the report.

Police found the man also had warrants for his arrest out of Arizona and contacted authorities to initiate extradition proceedings.

CLEARFIELD – On Monday in Clearfield County Court, the trial got under way for an inmate accused of assaulting corrections officers during an April of 2015 riot at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale.

Isaiah Samir Lakeem Hall, 26, an inmate of state prison, is standing trial on charges of criminal conspiracy/aggravated assault and aggravated assault, six counts each; criminal conspiracy/assault by prisoner, assault by prisoner, conspiracy/simple assault and simple assault, three counts each; conspiracy/riot; and riot.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. is presenting the case on behalf of the commonwealth. Hall is being represented by defense attorney Ryan P. Sayers. Senior Judge David E. Grine is specially presiding over the trial, which was scheduled to last four days but may wrap up either Tuesday or Wednesday.

In his opening statement, Shaw gave jurors a thumbnail sketch of the case. He said corrections officers responded to break up a fight between two inmates in the south yard at SCI Houtzdale. One disregarded all commands from the officers who were trying to restrain him.

After the inmate took a fighting stance, he was taken to the ground by three officers. While the inmate continued to resist, numerous others began beating, kicking and stomping on the officers. Hall was among the rioting inmates, he said, and was identified by prison staff due to his attire, which included Timberland boots.

Sayers began his opening, saying the commonwealth had the burden to prove the case against Hall beyond a reasonable doubt. “You’re here to determine if the commonwealth even has the right person,” he said.

Sayers said the commonwealth would present testimony and evidence, including video of the riot, and justice did need to be served in the case. However, he argued that the commonwealth had the wrong person and believed the jury would make the same determination at the end of trial.

A corrections officer testified that he was working in the south yard around 2:30 p.m. April 28, 2015, and there were three of them who were out there with about 500 inmates. He observed inmate Richard Adams throwing a baseball and hitting another inmate with it.

Upon being hit in his face, the inmate fell to the ground, at which point Adams began assaulting him. The officer radioed the inmate-on-inmate assault to the control center to get the cameras on it, and he responded to that area of the yard.

While he was responding to the scene, Adams started to walk away from the injured inmate and him. The officer said he began to follow Adams and gave him multiple verbal commands to stop and cuff up. Adams didn’t comply.

When a second officer and sergeant showed up on the scene, he said Adams took a “fighting stance.” The officer put Adams in a bear hug to restrain him, and they took him to the ground to try to cuff him.

While struggling to gain control of Adams, the officers were alerted by radio that the inmates were coming and swarming them. The officer said he only had one of Adams’ wrists cuffed, and he was trying to get the other behind him to cuff up Adams, so he could be in position to defend himself against the inmates.

“I never did because I got assaulted,” he testified. “I believe I was being kicked in the head. I don’t remember anything after that.” 

Shaw asked the officer if he had a weapon on him, such as a firearm, baton, etc., and he said he did not and officers only carry cuffs and a radio on their duty belts.

The officer said he was taken from the yard in a wheelchair and evaluated first at the prison’s medical department. He was then transported by ambulance to the Altoona Hospital for treatment for bruising to his face, a concussion and rib and shoulder injuries.

A sergeant testified that he was working in the south yard when he was radioed about an inmate fight. He looked out into the yard and observed two officers cuffing an inmate. When he approached, he found the other inmate, Adams, was resisting officers and headed in their direction.

He corroborated the testimony of the first witness, saying Adams was being aggressive and continually resisting to be put in cuffs. He said he tried to pull one arm back, but when he did, it was “the last thing I remember, because I got knocked unconscious.”

When he woke up, he was lying on his back and the prison’s staff members were hovered over him. The next thing he remembered was being in the medical department before being taken by life-flight to the Altoona Hospital with severe head injuries, including a laceration, bruising and a concussion.

A second sergeant testified that he ran into the south yard when he was radioed about a fight. He proceeded in case help was needed and was radioed again that staff members were on the ground being assaulted by inmates.

He said when he got to the scene, a lieutenant was being assaulted and he tried to get to him. However, inmate Norman Wothman grabbed him and punched him.  When he took a defensive position, he was punched and taken to the ground. He was then kicked and punched while he was on the ground.

The sergeant said he suffered a severe concussion and still feels the effects of it on his speech, memory, etc.  He continues to undergo regular therapy and treatment.

He also said that he can’t continue to work as an officer at the prison or in law enforcement because if he suffered another traumatic head injury, it could result in a coma or debilitate him further.

An officer testified that he was assigned to review the video recordings of the riot. He identified inmates who took part in it, and said that Hall was one of them. He was able to identify Hall because of his attire, which included Timberland boots, light complexion and facial features.

He also said he’d become acquainted with Hall and was familiar with his mannerisms, since he’d worked with him for about a year at that point. He confidently testified – without a doubt – that Hall kicked and stomped the officer and kicked both sergeants several times.

Due to the yard incident, he said the prison went on lockdown for several hours. Specialized response and negotiation teams were called in, and the Pennsylvania State Police were mobilized at the prison.

Another officer who was in the security office was alerted to multiple fights in the south yard. When he arrived at the scene, officers were on the ground. He organized a perimeter to keep inmates away from them.

He said the officers were removed from the yard, and the prison went on lockdown. He said inmates were escorted back inside when the yard incident diffused at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.

He said some inmates were taken to their regular housing units. Others were secured in the restricted housing unit, if they were believed to be involved or to have evidence.

The officer said he was ordered to collect boots from Hall, because they had blood on them. He subsequently turned them over to the state police at Clearfield.

(Retired) Trooper Mary Jane McGinnis said on April 29, 2015, she went to the Altoona Hospital to interview one sergeant about the incident as well as to collect a DNA sample from him. She said the DNA sample was taken back to the Clearfield barracks and entered into the evidence room.

Trooper Justin Yost, who is formerly of the Clearfield barracks and now stationed in Huntingdon, said he collected Hall’s boots the night of the yard incident. He transported them back to the Clearfield barracks and entered them in as evidence.

On June 25, 2015, he took Hall’s boots and the sergeant’s DNA sample to the Erie Regional Crime Lab for analysis.

A registered nurse at SCI Houtzdale also testified about her response to the south yard after multiple officers were injured in the assault.

The commonwealth will continue presenting its case at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Courtroom No. 1 at the Clearfield County Courthouse.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a traffic complaint at the Sapp Bros. Truck Stop.
• Police responded to conduct a welfare check on Woodland Road.
• Police received a report about a fight that involved two students at the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School.
• Police received a report about a child who was locked in a bedroom of a residence on Meadow Road. Upon arrival officers opened the door and returned the child to the babysitter without issue.
• Police received a report about drug paraphernalia that was found in the Hill Street area.
• Police received a report about a civil property dispute in the area of Williams Road.

Sandy Township

• On Friday a 39-year-old Treasure Lake woman alleged that someone had broken out the windshield of her vehicle overnight. Police said that a large rock was found lying in front of the vehicle. It also appeared that the actor had climbed onto the vehicle’s roof, walked across it, threw the rock through the windshield and then slid down the hood, causing damage to the entire vehicle. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Friday police received a report about a man who was slumped over the center console of his vehicle at the intersection of the Bee Line Highway and Industrial Drive. After several attempts, officers were able to wake the man up, and they determined he was under the influence of an illegal substance. He was taken by police to Penn Highlands DuBois emergency room for an evaluation and a legal blood draw.  Charges are currently pending at this time.
• On Friday a 50-year-old Circle Road man reported that after an argument, his daughter’s 19-year-old boyfriend began smashing things on his porch. He fled the scene prior to police arrival. 
• On Saturday an 18-year-old Treasure Lake boy was traveling on Bee Line Highway when he lost control of his vehicle. This, police said, caused it to spin around; it then traveled off the roadway into a field, where it overturned approximately three times before coming to rest. Major damage and minor injuries were reported, according to police.
• On Saturday Treasure Lake Security reported that someone burned a picnic table at Little Flipper Lake.
• On Sunday a 45-year-old Thunderbird Road man called police because there was an unknown male outside his house, and he was trying to get in his back door. According to the report, when officers arrived, a 21-year-old Treasure Lake man was standing in the driveway without a shirt on. When officers asked the man what he was doing, he said he was waiting for his girlfriend to pick him up. He had scratches and bruises on his face that he told police were from walking through the woods, and he could not explain why he was missing his shirt. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene to evaluate the man, and he refused treatment.  He was taken to the police station and later released to his mother.
• On Sunday Treasure Lake Security received a report about a man who was hunched over and staggering around in a driveway on Treasure Lake Road. Upon arrival officers located the 35-year-old Philipsburg man inside the house, and he did not appear to be under the influence to the point of impairment.  He did have a warrant out for his arrest from Jefferson County. He was subsequently placed into custody and turned over to Jefferson County authorities.

DuBois City

• Police were dispatched to a report about several people who were allegedly drinking alcohol and urinating in a parking lot on East Long Avenue. Police made contact with the group and issued one citation for disorderly conduct.
• Police received a report about a possible incident of identity theft. It remains under investigation at this time.
• Police observed a vehicle being driven very slowly and drifting from left to right on the roadway. Police initiated a traffic stop and could allegedly detect a strong odor of alcohol on the person. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of East Weber Avenue and South Brady Street. According to the report, it involved a vehicle that was stopped at a stop sign. At this time, a bicyclist collided into the left side of the vehicle. Police said the bicycle’s brakes had failed, and the rider was unable to stop before striking the vehicle. No injuries were reported as a result, and those involved exchanged information.
• Police were dispatched to a report about a verbal domestic dispute on West Scribner Avenue. Upon arrival police found that both people involved were drinking and having an argument. Both agreed to separate for the night until things calmed down.

CLEARFIELD – After deliberating for over five hours Tuesday, jurors were deadlocked and couldn’t reach any verdict in a trial of a state prison inmate accused of assaulting corrections officers during the April of 2015 riot at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale.

Isaiah Samir Lakeem Hall, 26, an inmate of state prison, was  standing trial on charges of criminal conspiracy/aggravated assault and aggravated assault, six counts each; criminal conspiracy/assault by prisoner, assault by prisoner, conspiracy/simple assault and simple assault, three counts each; conspiracy/riot; and riot.

Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. presented the case on behalf of the commonwealth. Hall was represented by defense attorney Ryan P. Sayers. Senior Judge David E. Grine specially presided over the trial.

According to previously published reports, officers responded to break up an inmate-on-inmate assault at 2:30 p.m. April 28, 2015 in the south yard at SCI Houtzdale. One inmate, Richard Adams, disregarded all commands to cuff up, taking a “fighting stance” and being combative.

After Adams was taken down by three unarmed officers, inmates swarmed them and started to beat, kick and stomp on them. Hall was allegedly among the population of inmates who participated in the assault and riot.

After being sent into deliberations shortly before noon, the jury returned to the courtroom about 40 minutes later with two questions. Jurors asked to watch the video of the inmates assaulting the officers and to take Hall’s boots into their deliberations.

While watching the video, jurors asked to leave the jury box to have a closer look. At times, they asked Shaw to play the video frame-by-frame and to pause it. One juror specifically asked for the video to be stopped when the suspect’s face was visible.

Jurors notified the court of another question at approximately 3 p.m., and asked for the transcript of the testimony given by the SCI Houtzdale security officer who was the only witness to identify Hall in the video.

While jurors couldn’t be provided the transcript, court officials did set up to play an audio recording of the officer’s testimony. Jurors then resumed deliberations after the playback but returned at approximately 4:39 p.m., and Grine announced they were deadlocked.

He asked jurors to return to their deliberations and to indicate on the verdict slips, which charges they were in agreement on a verdict, if any. He also told them to put question marks next to any charges they couldn’t agree upon.

When court reconvened the final time at approximately 5:07 p.m., jurors advised they were still deadlocked on all charges. Grine asked if they felt it would change if they returned in the morning. They did not and were excused from their duty.

“I am very happy that the jury took their time,” said Sayers. “I think they had an issue identifying the [suspect] inmate in the video as my client and with accepting the commonwealth’s position.”

In a media interview, Shaw said it only takes one or two jurors to hold out, and he intends to put the case before a new jury panel as early as the next term of court.

“This happens and we are disappointed with the result,” he said, “… but we are absolutely determined to get justice. The corrections officers up there at Houtzdale deserve it.”

Before the commonwealth rested its case Tuesday morning, jurors heard testimony from Brad McLaughlin of the state police’s Erie Crime Laboratory. He examined Hall’s boots for the presence of blood and tested several areas.

McLaughlin found blood on the right heel and prepared a sample from the boots. The blood sample and a sergeant’s DNA sample were forwarded to the state police’s Greensburg-based laboratory for further analysis.

Angelina Biondi of the state police’s Greensburg Crime Laboratory said she received the sergeant’s DNA – a known sample – and the blood from Hall’s boots – a question sample. She testified that the sergeant’s DNA matched the blood sample from Hall’s boots.

Trooper David Patrick, a criminal investigator with the state police at Clearfield, was the last witness for the commonwealth. On April 28, 2015, the station was requested to send any available troopers to an inmate-on-staff assault and possible riot at SCI Houtzdale.

Patrick said troopers were mobilized at the prison from not only the Clearfield barracks, but also from Rockview and Philipsburg. “It was a very large response from the Pennsylvania State Police,” he told jurors, and they established a perimeter around the prison.

He also said that the Department of Corrections called in additional resources, such as specialized response and negotiation teams. After the DOC regained control of SCI Houtzdale, he was assigned to conduct the criminal investigation.

He conducted interviews with staff and inmates who were allegedly involved and also collected other information and evidence. Patrick said so far, he’s filed charges against six inmates.

Under cross-examination, Sayers questioned why others who were involved have not been charged in the riot. Patrick said he’s prepared additional criminal complaints, which are waiting to be filed.

Under re-direct, Patrick explained how charges are being filed against two or three inmates at a time, and this is being done methodologically to keep from “bogging down” the court system and creating manpower problems for the department.  

He said as many as 25 – 30 inmates have been identified through the video and may eventually be charged for their part in the assault/riot. However, he said the DOC, state police and the court system cannot handle prosecuting all of the inmates at once.

Hall didn’t testify in his own defense. Sayers didn’t present any defense witnesses.

In his closing arguments, Sayers began telling jurors that Hall’s justice was in their hands. He pointed out that the video of the riot shown by the commonwealth was grainy and pixelated and it was up to them to decide if the right inmate was on trial.

Sayers also argued that Hall wasn’t identified by any of the officers that he allegedly assaulted. He said the commonwealth was relying on the testimony of a security officer who wasn’t there and who identified Hall when he watched the video.

He recalled the testimony of the same officer who admitted that every inmate wears the same hat, shirt, jacket and pants, and that 30 – 40 percent of the inmates wear Timberland boots. He said the officer testified that a “whole bunch” of inmates match Hall’s physical description.

Sayers concluded that if Hall got blood on his boots during the assault, it was reasonable to expect a larger amount of blood with three officers being beaten, kicked and stomped on. He said inmates were in the south yard for eight hours and he could have stepped in the blood.

In his closing, Shaw said Hall viciously kicked and stomped on the officers, which caused severe injuries and permanently debilitated them. He said the security officer confidently testified “I know that’s him,” that’s Isaiah Hall, and the sergeant’s DNA matched the blood sample from Hall’s boots.

Hall is serving a 5- to 15-year sentence for a robbery. He is two years beyond his minimum sentence, and currently being housed at SCI Benner, according to Shaw.

State police at DuBois

• State police reported an incident of DUI that occurred Feb. 17 on Kyle Run Road in Washington Township. As a result, a 17-year-old female was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence.
• State police received a report about an incident of simple assault that occurred Feb. 25 on Route 219 in Snyder Township. During the incident, a 26-year-old man and the victim had an argument over the children. He allegedly grabbed her by the throat and slammed her to the ground. When she attempted to get up, state police said she was thrown to the ground two more times. She was eventually able to get up but was grabbed by her shirt, ripping her undergarments. State police said the man was arraigned the next day, and his bail was set at $10,000.
• State police reported an incident of DUI/Act 64 drug violation that occurred Feb. 26 on Route 322 in Union Township. An 18-year-old man was allegedly found to have operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs. He was also found in possession of paraphernalia, according to state police.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Tuesday at a Common Lane address in Ridgway. During the incident, someone allegedly stole the victim’s pink wallet while she was sleeping. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police arrested a male for public intoxication after he was found sitting on the roadway along Stewart Avenue. He was allegedly under the influence of medication.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a Daisy Street resident because mail was piling up. Police found that the male was not at home and had been placed in a home.
• Police handled a reported theft from a Clearfield Street resident. Police located the item that was stolen, and the owner was able to recover it.
• Police responded to an activated alarm on East Pine Street. The building was found to be secured, police said.

Lawrence Township

• Clearfield Borough police were assisted with a vehicle stop on Chester Street.
• Police received a report about a fire alarm at a local business.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of theft. However, it occurred within the jurisdiction of the state police.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about an incident of harassment at an East Weber Avenue residence. During the incident, a known female allegedly struck the victim multiple times during an argument. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a fraud incident that occurred over the computer. According to police, a pop-up appeared on the computer, stating there are viruses that need to be removed and providing a phone number to call for it to be fixed. Police said during the call, the scammer gained access to the computer and asked for credit card information to fix the problem. Police would like to remind residents not to provide personal or banking information over the phone.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a resident on First Street. Police said a neighbor was concerned when contact couldn’t be made, and they had also observed the outside hose running, which was creating a large ice patch, and there was garbage on the steps. Police made contact with the person and found everything was OK.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Feb. 22 in a field on Spring Road in Henderson Township. During the incident, a known suspect allegedly damaged three windows and another in a door on a shed. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to an East Locust Street residence to assist the dog law official with an animal complaint.
• Police received a report about an incident of forgery. During the incident, the actor allegedly signed their name to a vehicle title to sell it without permission.  Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of harassment by communication.  During the incident, the actor was allegedly sending unwanted messages through Facebook.
• Police responded to traffic lights that were out last evening as a result of the wind. The Clearfield Borough Fire Department assisted with traffic control.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a psychological emergency at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
• Police received a report about electrical lines that were down on Jade Road.
• Police received a report about a nude female who was walking along the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway. The incident was referred to the state police.
• Police received a report about an Internet fraud/scam involving Facebook and eBay.
• Police received a report about the alleged theft of a wallet.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a male at Sapp Bros. Police made contact with him and found he was OK.
• Police received a report about a three that was down on the Glen Richey Highway.

Sandy Township

• On Monday a Treasure Lake woman reported that her estranged boyfriend was on her front porch; he was uninvited and attempting to talk to her and her children. She told him to leave and he refused for several minutes but finally did.  Police were able to contact the man and handled the situation without incident.
• On Monday police received a report that an unknown vehicle backed into a support post on a porch on an Ollie Lane residence. It then left the scene.
• On Monday a 23-year-old Hanes Drive woman reported being harassed by her 54-year-old neighbor. Officers located the man and handled the situation without incident.
• On Tuesday a Shaffer Road resident reported that there were men walking around his yard with crow bars. Officers spoke to the men and found they were with a contracted sewer company locating sewage drains.
• On Tuesday a DuBois man reported that his wife had ordered candles through an online company last October. Since then, there has allegedly been more than $1,000 worth of unauthorized charges made to his account. When they reported the theft to the online company, they were told the company may have been “hacked” and their information stolen from it.
• On Tuesday a Mapledale Road resident reported that his neighbor was driving recklessly by his house. Officers handled the situation without incident.  
• On Tuesday a Morrisdale woman reported that a 23-year-old Circle Road woman posted on Facebook that she was going to overdose on pills. Officers responded to the residence and found the woman to be OK, and she did not show any signs of being suicidal.  Police handled the situation without incident.

DuBois City

• Police were contacted by an employee at a business that had received multiple calls from a child. According to the report, the child stated there was someone in the house and his parents were hurt. The employee tried calling back with negative results and was concerned. Police were able to make contact and found a child had been playing with a phone, and that it wouldn’t happen again.
• Police initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle nearly strike several parked vehicles on East Garfield Avenue. It then struck a parked vehicle. When they approached the vehicle, police allegedly detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from it. Police conducted field sobriety testing on the driver, and charges are currently pending. Police provided information to the person who owned the parked vehicle that had been struck.
• Police were dispatched for a report about two males near a church on South state Street. The caller told police they were concerned the males would cause damage. Upon arrival police searched the area but didn’t locate the males in question.

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.

REYNOLDSVILLE – A Reynoldsville woman who thought she was paying on a debt lost a large sum of money in a theft earlier this week, reported the state police at DuBois.

According to state police, a man who identified himself as “Richard Harris” called the victim, advising she owed money to the Internal Revenue Service.

State police say he instructed the victim to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards and to provide him with the card numbers to resolve her debt.

The man was allegedly provided with $29,000 worth of card numbers before the victim reported it to state police.

State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

HOUTZDALE – A Harrisburg woman and an inmate are facing charges after she allegedly delivered him balloons containing K2 and pills at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale.

Mariah Shenell Mitchell, 26, has been charged by state police at Clearfield with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; possession of controlled substance-contraband/inmate; and intentional possession of a controlled substance.

Eric Harden, 30, has also been charged in the case with intentional possession of a controlled substance.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on May 27, 2016, state police were dispatched after a report about a visitor delivering contraband to an inmate at SCI Houtzdale. Harden was being visited by Mitchell at the prison.

During an interview, Mitchell told state police she had brought small balloons containing K2 and Percocet pills into the prison. She said she kept the contraband hidden in a pocket of her garb.

Harden reached into her pocket and allegedly removed the balloons containing the drugs. He walked away from her and toward a gaming area inside of the visitation room.

Harden was then placed in a dry cell at the prison. He was monitored and in his feces on May 31, 2016 was five, small red balloons. Prison staff took possession of the balloons, and they were turned over to state police.

State police sent the balloons away to the Erie Crime Laboratory for analysis. According to the lab report, the balloons contained various amounts of oxycodone and synthetic cannabinoids.

OSCEOLA MILLS BOROUGH – A three-week-old infant was hospitalized with serious injuries after an alleged assault, according to the state police at Clearfield.

The incident occurred Tuesday at an Osceola Mills Borough residence. State police said injuries were observed by the infant’s mother, and she was taken to the family doctor for an examination.

The infant was examined and transferred to the Geisinger Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital in Danville. State police said she was diagnosed with two fractured femurs; bruising around her rib area; bruising on her nose; abrasions on her face; and a rectal tear.

According to state police, the infant was admitted for inpatient treatment at the Children’s Hospital, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Tuesday in Falls Creek Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly stole an orange chainsaw with a 16-inch blade from the victim’s work site. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.
• State police received a report about an alleged incident of theft that occurred Thursday on North Park Street in Winslow Township. The victim told state police that numerous pills were taken from their residence. However, state police said the investigation didn’t reveal signs of entry to the residence, and there weren’t any leads.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about the alleged theft of two bikes from a residence on Bigler Avenue.  Police said the first bike is pink with green rims; the second is a purple mountain bike.
• Police received a report about a disabled vehicle on South Second Street. Upon arrival police found it was on the side of the roadway and the driver had assistance on the way.
• Police received a report about a vehicle parked along High Street. According to police, it experienced a mechanical failure and then coasted down a driveway and into the woods. 
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of theft from a vehicle on Dorey Street.  Police would like to remind residents to lock their vehicles.
• Police had a wallet turned in and were able to locate and return it to the owner.
• Police received a report about wires down on McBride Street.  Upon arrival police found it was a cable wire and removed it from the roadway.
• Lawrence Township police, along with state parole, were assisted at Novey Recycling with a male who was wanted by law enforcement.
• Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and determined the driver was allegedly under the influence.  Police subsequently arrested the driver for the incident.  

Lawrence Township

• Police were requested to check the welfare of a person on Mount Joy Road.
• Police received a report about a fire alarm on PennDOT Drive. It was listed as unfounded.
• Police received a report about a disabled vehicle on the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
• Police received a report about suspicious persons at Dunkin Donuts. Upon arrival police made contact with those involved.
• Police received a report about suspicious items at a business along the Clearfield-Shawville Highway.
• Police received a report about a scam from a township resident. According to police, the caller attempted to obtain the resident’s Dish Network account information by telling them their equipment was outdated and needed to be replaced.
• Police were requested to assist state parole at an area business along Martin Street Extension. According to police, a male was taken into custody and to a state facility by state parole officers for a violation. Charges are currently pending further investigation of this and other incidents.
• Police received a report about child custody issues.
• Police received a report about a single-vehicle accident on the Glen Richey Highway. No injuries were reported, and the vehicle was driven from the scene, police said.
• Police received several reports about a disabled vehicle along the Clearfield Bypass that was facing the wrong direction.
• Police received a report about a possible fraud or scam.
• Police located a suspicious vehicle parked at a local business after hours.

Curwensville Borough

• Lawrence Township police were assisted with a 302 warrant.
• Police received a report about a possible suspicious person in Irvin Park after hours. Upon arrival police located people, advised them the park was closed and asked for them to leave.
• Police received several reports about people allegedly breaking into vehicles in the area of South and Pine streets. Anyone with information is asked to contact Curwensville Borough police.
• Police received a report about a female who was being disorderly in the area of Bloomington Avenue and River Street. However, police were unable to locate her.
• Police received a report about an alleged domestic disturbance on Ann Street.
• Police received a report about an overdose on South Street. Curwensville Ambulance personnel assisted at the scene.
• Police were dispatched to a possible death at a Windy Hill address. Police were assisted by the coroner and Curwensville Ambulance personnel at the scene. Police said the next of kin has been notified.
• Police received a report about an incident of access device fraud. During the incident, a known person allegedly attempted to open credit cards in another person’s name. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about two black dogs running loose in the area of Evergreen Street and Quarry Avenue. Upon arrival police searched the area but were unable to locate the dogs.
• Police were dispatched for a report about glass being all over the roadway at the intersection of South Stockdale Street and East Long Avenue. When police checked the intersection, they didn’t locate any glass.

Sandy Township

• On Wednesday a 69-year-old Narrows Creek Lane man reported to police that someone took the registration plate off his trailer while it was parked at his residence.
• On Wednesday a 43-year-old Reynoldsville woman reported that she received a call from a friend who had received a call from her children that their dad and his wife were fighting. Officers responded to the Freedom Road residence and handled the situation without incident.
• On Wednesday a DuBois woman was traveling on Rockton Road when she ran over a tree that had fallen down. The vehicle was damaged but was driven from the scene; no injuries were reported as a result, police said.
• On Wednesday police responded to several false alarms due to the high winds.
• On Thursday Falls Creek Sheetz employees reported there was a male acting angry and screaming, and he requested that they contact 911. Upon arrival officers located the 63-year-old Falls Creek man who explained he was experiencing anxiety over several life events and just wanted someone to talk to.  Officers handled the situation without incident.

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP – Charges are currently pending against a Muncy male and a Clearfield resident after drug-related items and explosives were allegedly uncovered while law enforcement officials were serving an arrest warrant.

According to Lawrence Township police, at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, officers and Pennsylvania State Parole Board officials executed an arrest warrant on a Muncy male who was living in the Clearfield area.

When the male was being taken into custody, drug and paraphernalia items were found by police inside the residence. At the scene, police said multiple items were also found that were consistent with the manufacture and assembly of home-made explosive devices.

After seizing the items, police contacted the Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad, which responded and detonated them. Police said the squad confirmed one undetonated device as being “active,” and it appeared to be an attempt to construct a pipe bomb.

Editor’s Note: GANT has teamed up 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 monthly based upon information provided by the participating law enforcement agencies.

HOUTZDALE – A woman and inmate are facing charges after she allegedly delivered him balloons containing marijuana at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale.

Travonna Lynn Irons, 20, of Clairton has been charged by state police at Clearfield with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; contraband-controlled substance; intentional possession of a controlled substance; and marijuana-small amount for personal use.

Anthony Charles Ford, 31, has also been charged with possession of controlled substance-contraband/inmate; intentional possession of a controlled substance; marijuana-small amount for personal use; and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on March 5, 2016, a state trooper conducted an initial investigation in relation to Irons visiting Ford at SCI Houtzdale and taking him contraband.

While they were in the visitation room, staff observed Irons reach into her bra and put something in a candy bag. Then, Ford took something from the candy bag and put it in his mouth.

The guards ended the visit and Irons was escorted to the lobby. When the trooper arrived at the prison, an official turned over the candy package, which contained four small balloons that contained suspected marijuana.

During an interview, Irons told the trooper she had brought 10 small balloons full of marijuana. She said she hid them in her bra, put them in a candy bag and gave them to Ford while they were in the visitation room.

Ford allegedly took them from the candy bag and began to swallow them. Several days before, she had received a phone call from an unknown male who warned that if she didn’t take drugs to Ford, she would be killed, Irons told the trooper.

According to information received by state police from SCI Houtzdale, Ford had been placed in a dry cell on March 6, 2016. He defecated and six latex fingertips of an unknown substance were found. A NIK test revealed it was marijuana.

During an interview March 9, 2016, Ford told state police “she brought it in. It was a first time thing, and you guys got it all.” He allegedly admitted that it was marijuana.

According to Ford, he was going to “put it out on the market” to make some money for himself. He said he didn’t know who he was going to give it to, and if he couldn’t make any money, he probably would have just smoked it.

Ford told state police that he wasn’t going to say who brought it in. He said: “We (state police) know who it was.”

State police sent the evidence to the Erie Crime Laboratory. According to the affidavit, the vegetable matter contained marijuana.

OSCEOLA MILLS – The parents of a three-week-old infant girl have been accused after she was injured in a severe assault, according to an updated news release issued by the state police at Clearfield.

On Friday Aaron J. Mills, 32, of Osceola Mills was charged with aggravated assault, F1; aggravated assault, F2; simple assault, M1; criminal conspiracy to commit endangering the welfare of children, M1; endangering the welfare of children, M1; recklessly endangering another person, M2; and possession of drug paraphernalia, M.

Stephanie D. McGuire, 22, also of Osceola Mills, was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit endangering the welfare of children, M1; endangering the welfare of children, M1; recklessly endangering another person, M2; and possession of drug paraphernalia, M.

According to state police, the infant was assaulted between Feb. 26 and Feb. 28 while being cared for by Mills and McGuire. McGuire took her to the family doctor for a severe diaper rash.

Upon examination and due to the severity of her injuries, the infant was immediately transferred to Geisinger Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital in Danville.

State police said the infant was diagnosed with fractures of both femurs; a fractured rib; bruising to her nose and abrasions to her face; a frenulum tear in her mouth between the gums and nose; a rectal tear and anal prolapse; and a severe diaper rash.

The infant is still being treated at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and is recovering from her injuries. She is currently in the temporary, emergency custody of Clearfield County Children & Youth Services, according to state police.

Mills and McGuire are incarcerated at the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $100,000 and $50,000 bail, respectively.

Joseph Scott Maines (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a wanted person.

Police have identified the person as 21-year-old Joseph Scott Maines. Maines has a warrant for his arrest for possession of a controlled substance.

Maines had contact with police on Oct. 24, 2016. Police said he was found in possession of Subutex and drug paraphernalia.

DUBOIS – A DuBois woman accused of having a meth lab in her home waived her right to a preliminary hearing Friday during centralized court.

Samantha Marie Bish, 34, and her husband, Jeffrey Joel Bish, 38, were each charged by DuBois City police with criminal conspiracy, 14 counts of operating a methamphetamine lab, possession of liquefied ammonia for purpose other than agricultural, manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, intentional possession of a controlled substance, risking a catastrophe, three counts of endangering the welfare of children, six counts of recklessly endangering another person and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges stem from an incident Oct. 12 when police said they were serving arrest warrants on the couple and found meth and substances used to make meth in their home.

Samantha Bish is in the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $10,000 monetary bail. Jeffrey Bish’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, when Jeffrey Bish opened the door, he was taken into custody. On his person, officers report they found three baggies containing a white powdery substance later identified as methamphetamine.

He also allegedly had two plastic tubes with white powder residue, a container with hydrocodone, dextoampheramines and methylphenidate. When asked where his wife was, he said upstairs.

The officers located Samantha Bish in a bedroom where they saw a container with a white powdery substance, a glass jar with a white powdery substance on the bottom and liquid on the top, which appeared to be a possible meth lab, according to the complaint.

At this time, two children were in the home and another had already left for school.

After Samantha Bish was taken into custody, she gave permission to police to search the residence. She allegedly told them she was aware of drugs and drug-making items in the home.

Jeffrey Bish said there was stuff in their bedroom actively cooking meth, but it was not finished yet, according to the complaint. He also reportedly directed the officers to the back porch where there was a bucket full of run-off material from making meth.

The home and a neighbor’s home were evacuated due to the fumes coming off the bucket on the porch.

Police said they recovered seven plastic bottles containing various colors of a chunky substance, a metallic substance, tablet pieces, a clear liquid, one bottle with residue, seven plastic bottles containing a white crystalline substance, other items used to make methamphetamine, scales, straws and bags with white powder or residue.

All of the items seized contained the ingredients for the manufacture of methamphetamine. The total weight of items seized that contained methamphetamine was 1,112.09 grams, according to the complaint.

The arrest warrants on the original case that brought officers to the Bish home involve the alleged sale of oxycodone to a confidential informant in January of 2016.

Both Jeffrey and Samantha Bish face drug charges in that case as well. They waived their rights to a preliminary hearing on charges of manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and recklessly endangering another person in those cases in October.

DUBOIS – A Michigan couple accused of passing counterfeit bills was in court Friday for a preliminary hearing.

Andrion Nakia Brown, 38, of River Rouge, Mich., and Michael Richard Tate, 28, of Southfield, Mich., were apprehended Feb. 25 after Brown had allegedly used counterfeit money to make purchases at a few area businesses.

They are both charged with felony counts of forgery, receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking and a misdemeanor count of possession instruments of crime.

They waived their rights to preliminary hearings during centralized court at District Judge Patrick Ford’s office. Brown’s bail was lowered from $100,000 to $25,000 but Tate’s bail remains at $100,000. Both are still incarcerated.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were called after someone attempted to use counterfeit bills at Sally Hair Salon. The cashier there realized the $100 bill was fake and said so to the woman who left the store and got into a silver vehicle with out-of-state plates.

When an officer appeared on the scene, he checked the parking lot but did not see the described vehicle. He then received another call that the woman had used a counterfeit bill to purchase items at Petco. He drove back in that direction where he saw a silver car outside TJ Maxx with Michigan plates. He ran the license plate and discovered that it was a rental car.

After the officer waited for a while, a woman who matched the description of the woman came out of the store. When she got near the vehicle, he asked her to put the bags she was carrying on the ground and her hands on the roof of the car. She was told why she was being detained. The officer said he could see bags from Petco and other local stores in the vehicle.

The woman, identified as Brown, said she was alone and claimed she had used real money to make her purchases. She was taken into custody. When the officer opened the driver’s side door to remove the keys, he saw an envelope that appeared to have currency in it. Inside the envelope were numerous $50 and $100 bills that the officer believed were counterfeit.

Police searched the parking lot for a man who was thought to be with Brown and found him near Lowe’s. He gave police several false names as he was taken into custody. Eventually it was determined he was Michael Richard Tate, who had active warrants through Arizona.

Police said the fake currency was used throughout the shopping plaza. There were five victims who accepted the bills for a total of $2,000 worth of merchandise. There was an additional $500 in counterfeit money in the envelope found in the vehicle, the report said.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Sunday on Sarah Street in Osceola Mills Borough. During the incident, a 54-year-old Osceola Mills man allegedly shoved the victim into the stove because she poured out his beer.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct that occurred March 2 at the Philipsburg-Osceola High School. During the incident, two male juveniles allegedly engaged in a fight. Charges were filed through the district court as a result.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime between Dec. 22 and March 1 at Kelly Chrysler/Jeep in Brookville. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a Pennsylvania license plate. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Punxsutawney at 814-938-0510.
• State police reported an incident of DUI/drug possession that occurred March 2 on Route 36 and Haag Road in Oliver Township. According to police, a 19-year-old Brookville man was traveling south and pulled over for a traffic violation. When state police made contact with him, it was determined that he was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance. State police said a controlled substance was also found in the vehicle. Charges are currently pending blood test results.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft by deception that occurred between Jan. 18 and Jan. 29 on Beyer Road in Young Township. During the incident, a 20-year-old Punxsutawney woman, Elizabeth M. Shank, allegedly made fraudulent transactions at the ATM at Indiana First Bank. Upon investigation she was charged in the incident.
• On Saturday state police reported an investigation into a child custody agreement on Ridge Road in Burnside Township. No further information was provided in the incident report.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a traffic violation that occurred on Washington Avenue in Hyde.
• Police received a report about a fight involving two students at the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School.
• Police received a parking complaint that occurred on Leonard Street.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of criminal mischief that occurred in the area of the Old Erie Pike.
• Police received a report about suspicious persons who claimed to work for Kirby in the Hillsdale area. Police found they did possess a valid permit.
• Police received a report about a suspicious person on the Old Erie Pike.
• Police received a report about an abandoned vehicle at a local business on Race Street. It was removed by its owner.
• Police received a report about a suspicious person on Village Road.
• Police responded to an alarm at a local business on South Second Street.
• Police received a traffic complaint that occurred on Turnpike Avenue.
• Police responded to a nose complaint in Edgewood.
• Police received a report about a scam in the area of Dairy Lane.
• Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at the traffic light at the Clearfield Mall. There were three reported injuries as a result, and one vehicle was towed from the scene, police said.
• Police received a traffic complaint, which had occurred on Interstate 80.
• Police responded to a psychological emergency at the Clearfield Mall.
• Police received a report about suspicious activity along the Clearfield – Shawville Highway.

DuBois City

• Police were dispatched for a report of an accident in the area of West Long Avenue and Jared Street. According to police, the driver ran a red light and their vehicle struck another vehicle. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene. Police said both drivers exchanged the necessary information.
• Police received a report about an open window at a business on Beaver Drive. The caller told police the business was closed. Upon arrival police spoke with two employees and advised to check for any window that might have been left open. Everything was found to be OK, and police cleared the scene.
• Police received a report about a stolen ATM/debit card. It remains under investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about an alarm at a business in the 800 block of Beaver Drive. Upon arrival police found it was secured.
• Police received a report about a verbal domestic in the 100 block of East Washington Avenue. Upon arrival police resolved the situation at the scene.
• Police witnessed a large fight in the parking lot of a business in the 200 block of West Long Avenue. When police entered the parking lot, everyone left the area. Police learned a couple engaged in a fight and then a bouncer from the establishment started another fight in the parking lot. When police made contact with several people, they did not want to press charges.
• Police received a report that a GMC Yukon had struck a parked vehicle in the area of South Avenue and South State Street. Upon arrival police also found when the Yukon struck the parked vehicle, it was pushed into another parked vehicle. Police found the Yukon’s driver, a 35-year-old DuBois woman, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. She was taken to the hospital for a blood draw, and charges are currently pending at this time. Police said two vehicles were towed from the scene.
• Police received a report that someone had allegedly written a vulgar word in the snow on the caller’s vehicle in the 100 block of East Second Avenue. When police arrived, it was found the snow had been blown off the vehicle, and the word wasn’t any longer there.
• Police received a report about a small child walking around only wearing a diaper in the 100 block of West Second Avenue. Police located the parent of the child, and everything was OK.
• Police received a report about a suspicious smell coming into the caller’s apartment in the first block of West Scribner Avenue. Police checked the apartment but were unable to detect anything.
• Police assisted a male who had a medical issue at a business in the 100 block of North Brady Street. Police contacted ambulance personnel who evaluated the male and determined he was OK.
• Police received a report about a male who had been sleeping on the couch for a long time at a business on Lakeside Avenue. Police were told he had refused to leave. However, he was gone upon police arrival to the scene.
• Police received a report about a single-vehicle accident in the 100 block of Quarry Avenue. When police arrived at the scene, they found a vehicle resting on the porch of a residence. Upon investigation police learned its owner had parked it on Robinson Street, where it popped out of gear and coasted down the hill. It was towed from the scene.
• Police received a report about an incident of theft at a business in the 600 block of Liberty Boulevard. According to police, someone had taken some money from a purse. It remains under investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about a two-vehicle accident in the 800 block of East DuBois Avenue. However, police determined it was “non-reportable” and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police stopped a vehicle, which was being driven by a 22-year-old Big Run woman, on South Main Street. Police found she had an active warrant out for her arrest. Police said numerous items of drug paraphernalia were also located in the vehicle. She was taken to the Clearfield County Jail.

OSCEOLA MILLS – An Osceola Mills couple has been accused in what a Geisinger Medical Center doctor has called the “worst case” of child abuse he’s ever seen in a three-week-old infant.

Aaron John Mills, 32, of Osceola Mills has been charged by state police at Clearfield with aggravated assault, F1; aggravated assault, F2; conspiracy/endangering the welfare of children, M1; endangering the welfare of children, M1; simple assault, M1; recklessly endangering another person, two counts, M2; and use/possession of drug paraphernalia, M.

Stephanie Diane McGuire, 22, also of Osceola Mills, has been charged with conspiracy/endangering the welfare of children, M1; parent/guardian/other commits offense, M1; recklessly endangering another person, M2; and use/possession of drug paraphernalia, M, two counts.

According to the affidavits of probable cause, on March 1 McGuire took her infant daughter to a doctor’s appointment to be examined for a diaper rash at Geisinger Medical Center, Philipsburg.

She was examined and diagnosed with bruising to her forehead, the tip of her nose and the left side of her abdomen. She had a severe diaper rash with a prolapsing rectum. The infant was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center by ambulance.

The same day, she was transported to and admitted for treatment at the Geisinger Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital in Danville, Pa.

She was diagnosed with multiple areas of abrasions and excoriation over the face and flank of right great toe; several bruises over the head, abdomen, right arm and legs bilaterally; excoriated and denuded perianal region with deep perianal furrows and anal prolapse; a left, fourth anterior rib facture; and bilateral, medial and lateral metaphyseal corner factures of the femurs.

In a phone interview with state police on Friday, Paul J. Bellino, M.D., Geisinger Medical Center, stated that, “This was the worst case of child abuse in an infant of this age that he has ever seen.”

In particular, the injury to the infant’s mouth and nose would have created an “extreme” amount of blood loss and pain, Bellino told state police.

According to state police interviews with Mills and McGuire, the infant was in their sole care at their residence on Edwards Street in Osceola Mills. Both stated that she wasn’t in the care of anyone else between Feb. 26 and March 1 when these injuries occurred to her.

Mills allegedly admitted to pulling the infant girl up off the changing table by her ankles forcefully and causing injuries to her legs while caring for her Feb. 26. According to the affidavits, both Mills and McGuire failed to seek immediate medical treatment for the infant for her severe diaper rash and injuries.

Bail has been set for Mills and McGuire at $100,000 and $50,000, respectively. Their preliminary hearings have been scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.