DuBOIS – Charges have been filed against a Luthersburg man who was allegedly offering to pay women for sex.

Mitchell E. Mancuso, 63, was charged by DuBois City Police on June 25 with two misdemeanor counts each of patronizing prostitutes and promoting prostitution/loitering for purpose of prostitution and summary counts of harassment and disorderly conduct.

The charges stem from an incident in DuBois June 10 at 8:40 p.m. beginning when Mancuso allegedly asked a woman if she wanted to make an easy $200.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police received a call from a woman who was accosted near Giant Eagle.

She said she was walking when a male in a dark colored truck approached her. When he asked if she wanted to make an easy $200, she told him no. He then stated a larger amount of money and she refused again. After she asked what he wanted, the man, later identified as Mancuso, said it would be for staying the night with him.

As she told him, she did not want to do that, Mancuso reportedly started to exit his vehicle. This frightened the victim who ran to a nearby gas station.

The officer was able to view the incident from the Giant Eagle’s surveillance video. What he saw confirmed the woman’s report.

While at the store, the officer was approached by two women who told him there was a man in a dark colored truck who asked them similar questions. They said he just drove away toward Palumbo’s Meats.

Several minutes later the officer was able to find the vehicle as it turned onto North Brady Street from West Long Avenue without using his turn signal, police said.

The officer then conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle.

When asked where he was headed, the man said “home” but he also said he was coming from home. He was asked why he was making so many passes through the Giant Eagle parking lot.

Mancuso said he was just bored and driving around.

The officer then told him he saw him on the surveillance video speaking to the first victim and asked him to be honest.

At this point, Mancuso reportedly said he was lonely and attempting to find a woman to go home with him, because his girlfriend went back to Ohio.

Mancuso agreed to go to the police station to discuss the incident.

Two of the victims were also questioned and provided written statements on their encounters with Mancuso. They provided the amounts of money offered and gave detailed descriptions of the truck.

In his interview with police, Mancuso allegedly admitted to speaking with several women and offering them money to have sex with him.

Mancuso’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27.

State Police at Clearfield

• Police are investigating an incident of criminal mischief on Pebble Lane in Graham Twp. that occurred between June 16-30.  Unknown actors used an firearm and shot holes into the victim’s seasonal residence.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield at 837-3800.
• Police are investigating an alleged rape that occurred Friday at SCI Houtzdale.  According to the report the victim alleges that he was raped by another inmate in his cell.  The investigation is ongoing.
• Police are investigating a burglary incident that occurred on Good Street in Houtzdale some time between June 16-30.  Unknown actor(s) used force to gain entry to a house that is currently for sale and removed a window air conditioning unit from the upstairs bedroom.  Anyone with information is asked to call PSP Clearfield.
• Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Walton St. in Decatur Twp. Sunday.  No injuries were reported.
• Police are investigating a burglary/theft by unlawful taking that occurred June 9 on Lyleville Rd., Beccaria Twp.  Unknown actor(s) entered through the victim’s trailer window and removed approximately $1,300 in cash and OxyContin pills.  The investigation continues.
• Police responded to a single vehicle crash on I-80 Saturday.  The vehicle was traveling east when a deer ran out in front of the vehicle.  No injuries were reported.
• Police responded to an incident of retail theft at the Kwik Fill in Cooper Twp.  A known female entered the store and removed several items without paying for them.  When confronted by the manager, the suspect got into her vehicle, yelled obscenities and fled from the area.  Charges are pending.
• Police conducted a traffic stop along SR 322 in Bradford Twp. on Friday.  Signs of drug activity were detected and a probable cause search was performed.  The search yielded methamphetamine, pill and paraphernalia.  Charges are pending.
• Police responded to an incident of criminal mischief on June 17 in Kylertown.  According to the report the victim’s neighbors were setting off fireworks and one tipped over an began to shoot at the victim’s vehicle.  Minor damage was observed, however the victim declined prosecution.
• Police responded to a two vehicle accident on SR 322 in Decatur Twp. June 27.  No injuries were reported.
• Police responded to a report of criminal mischief on Saturday on Krasinski Farm Rd. Graham Twp.  Unknown actors cut a wire fence belonging to the victim.

State Police at DuBois

• Police responded to a two vehicle crash in Snyder Twp.  The operator of the first vehicle failed to slow for the vehicle in front of it and struck the rear.  No injuries were reported.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a domestic disturbance along River Rd.  Upon arrival police learned a male and female had got into a physical altercation over a puppy.  The female slapped the male several times in the face.  Charges of harassment are pending.
• Police recovered a green bicycle that was reported abandoned over an embankment near Crown Crest Cemetery on Washington Ave.  The bicycle is being held at the Lawrence Twp. Police Dept.

Bigler Twp.–  Police are investigating an alleged rape that occurred June 23 in Bigler Twp.

According to the report the victim stated she had come home from the park with her kids and her husband went into the bedroom and began to force himself on her.  The victim attempted to make him stop but he refused.

The investigation continues.

Clearfield Borough

• Police are currently investigating several theft complaints where vehicles were entered, and items removed.  Police also report that some of the vehicles did contain firearms that were stolen.  Police were able to gather evidence at some of the scenes and are processing that evidence in hopes of identifying the actor(s).  Police are reminding residents to lock their vehicles.
• Police responded to N. 4th St. for a child that had a bruise.  It was found the bruise was from the child playing.
• A vehicle was stopped along Nichols St. for a traffic violation and the driver was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.  The female was arrested for suspicion of DUI.
• Police responded to E. Pine St. for a vehicle that was playing loud music at a late hour.  Police responded but were unable to locate the vehicle.
• Police responded to S. 2nd St. for a disturbance over a scooter.  As a result, one female was arrested for an active warrant from the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office.  She was also found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
• Police responded to E. Walnut St. for a noise complaint.  Police arrived and advised the person of the complaint.  He cooperated and turned down the music.
• Police arrested a male along E. Locust St for DUI after he was stopped for a traffic violation and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

State Police at Clearfield

• Police are investigating a theft of a vehicle from Hassinger Motorsport in Decatur Twp. on Monday.  According to the report unknown actors stole a maroon colored 1999 Jeep Cherokee.  The vehicle is described as having a small lift kit and a sticker on the back which reads, “JACK IT UP.”  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield at 814-857-3800.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a single vehicle accident along Washington Ave.  A Ford Escort crossed the double yellow line and struck a telephone pole causing power and cable lines to fall on the roadway. During the investigation police suspected the driver was under the influence and was taken to Penn Highland for a legal blood draw.  The driver and the passenger were uninjured as a result of the accident.
• Police responded to the Comfort Inn for a report of a stolen vehicle.  The vehicle is described as a green 2000 Jeep Cherokee.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman who allegedly hosted a party with marijuana and liquor that was attended by several juveniles waived her right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday during centralized court.

Tiffany Lynn Ross, 31, is charged by Lawrence Township Police with corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Saturday, May 12 at 11:42 p.m. police responded to a Palmer Street residence in Cleafield in search of a man, Jonathan Maines, who they were attempting to locate for an unrelated incident and who had several active warrants.

When they arrived, police saw several individuals in the back yard around a fire even though there was a burn ban in Lawrence Township at that time.

As they approached the residence, they could hear loud music. They made contact with two people and asked if Maines was there. They said no but one of them said he could call him.

They went inside the residence where the officers saw a juvenile sitting on the couch in front of a table with open liquor bottles, cans and several bongs. There was a strong odor of burnt marijuana and there was a light haze in the home.

The police realized they had stumbled upon a party. Additional juveniles were allegedly found in the home.

The officers were told the owner of the residence was Ross who had left just a few minutes before to get food.

As they spoke with the other people, they discovered this was a going away party for Maines who was going to turn himself into probation on Monday.

After a while they learned Ross was not coming home because someone told her police were there.

Eventually the officers made contact with her over the phone, telling her she needed to return. When she did, she reportedly admitted she had dropped off another juvenile at the girl’s home because of the police presence.

As she was questioned by the officers, she said she did not know there was a party at her home because she was gone all day.

She was informed that people at the party told police she had just gone for food. She then said she was upstairs the entire time and did not know there was any drug activity or alcohol use happening there.

She stated she allowed everyone “to come and go as they please”.

She claimed all the open alcoholic beverages were old, even though some of the containers were still cold.

Ross is on probation for a previous endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors case which she pleaded guilty to in April.

Both Ross and Maines were taken into custody

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to the Clearfield County Assistance office for a report of a male that was passed out inside the office and under the influence of a controlled substance.  During the course of the officer’s investigation, a search of the vehicle that was used to drive the male to the office. Multiple items of drug paraphernalia and a pair of brass knuckles were located.  The male was transported to Penn Highlands for evaluation. Charges are to be filed.

State Police at Philipsburg

• Police responded to a report of an erratic driver on I-99.  The driver pulled to the Interstate and police arrived shortly after.  It was determined that the male driver was under the influence of alcohol.  Charges of DUI have been filed.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man who hid his child from his wife because he believed she was exposing the child to evil spirits was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday.

Kevin Tyron Beniquez, 33, was charged by Clearfield Borough Police with endangering the welfare of children, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness in connection to an incident on June 24 at 9:04 p.m.

He waived his right to a hearing Tuesday, sending the case on to the court of common pleas. He is in the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a witness saw Beniquez and his wife fighting on their back porch before he allegedly grabbed the child, squeezed it tight and took the baby into their home.

There was concern for the child’s safety because Beniquez was possibly under the influence of drugs.

Beniquez’s wife confirmed the witness’s account that Beniquez was arguing with her before he took the child and would not let her have it.

Police then went inside the residence to a bedroom where they could hear him talking and singing. They knocked on the bedroom door announcing they were police officers, but he would not open it. He said that he and the child were fine.

After he refused another order to unlock the door, an officer kicked the door in. Beniquez was seated on the bed with the child lying next to him.

One of the officers grabbed his right arm and told him to stand up. Beniquez immediately tensed up and began to pull away, police said. He was then taken to the ground but continued to resist, attempting to bite one of the officers in the arm and shoulder area.

Beniquez also allegedly tried to kick them several times, ignoring commands to stop. The resistance lasted one to two minutes before he was ultimately taken into custody.

An officer reported that Beniquez had bloodshot eyes, was sweating profusely and had a white substance around his mouth.

He allegedly started talking about evil spirits and said that was his reason for taking the child into the bedroom.

When police spoke with the mother again, she stated she believed he was using methamphetamine.

She also stated that when they were fighting on the porch, he accused her of passing evil spirits on to the child, according to the report.

Beniquez had two other encounters with police earlier that same day.

At 5:34 p.m. he reportedly entered an apartment where he said he was sent to see the owner. He then began rapping and quoting bible verses. The victim did not know him.

At 6:31 p.m., he was allegedly walking around the Auto Zone in Lawrence Township yelling. Later he was outside of the store yelling, police said.

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.

Lawrence Township

• Police performed a traffic stop in the area of the Super 8.  During the stop the driver advised that he had a room at the hotel.  Upon further investigation the officers discovered another male, found in company of the first male, was in possession of methamphetamines and has an active warrant for his arrest.  Charges have been filed in the incident.
• Police were dispatched to the Glen Richey Hwy for a report of a vehicle accident.  County control advised officers that the female in the accident appeared to be under the influence and repeatedly tried to enter vehicles passing by.  The female then fled on foot.  Officers later located the female on Cherry St. where it was determined that she was under the influenced of unknown controlled substances.  Charges are to be filed.

State Police at Clearfield

• Police conducted a traffic stop for summary violations in the area of Elizabeth St. in Houtzdale.  During the stop it was discovered that the driver was under the influence of a controlled substance.  Charges are to be filed.

DuBois City

• Police were dispatched Hospital Avenue for report of a female causing a scene at this location.  Upon the arrival of the Police, the female was gone from the scene.
• Police were dispatched to West Long Avenue, for a report of a male running up the road and punching walls.  Police arrived on scene and determined this to be a custody issue.  After much discussion both parties decided to separate from each other for the night.

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported a drug violation that occurred Sunday on Blackburn Road in Bigler Township. During the incident, a Jeep Liberty was stopped and two occupants were allegedly in possession of suspected marijuana and related drug paraphernalia.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred between July 5 and Sunday at a Mary Street residence in Pike Township. During the incident, someone allegedly caused damage to the door to the victim’s residence. Then, they fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Saturday on Orchard Lane in Cooper Township. During a domestic incident, a verbal altercation turned physical between a 30-year-old male and a 75-year-old male victim. The male allegedly struck the elderly male numerous times, and charges will be filed through the district court as a result.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred between July 2 and Saturday on Pinetop Road in Bradford Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took the victim’s air compressor. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of simple assault and harassment that occurred Saturday at a Trolley Street residence in Cooper Township. During the incident, a couple engaged in a verbal altercation while the victim attempted to move her personal belongings out of the residence. A 29-year-old Winburne man, Daniel Klingler, allegedly grabbed the victim by her throat and pushed her to the ground. Both separated after a short period; however, state police say the victim had apparent scratches, redness and swelling on the right side of her throat. Klingler was taken to county jail and charged for the incident through the office of Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred between June 27 and July 1 on Second Street in Cooper Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took a silver-colored bracelet and gold necklace belonging to the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• On Friday into Saturday, state police conducted a field sobriety checkpoint in Clearfield County. It resulted in two DUI arrests, one DUI contact, eight traffic arrests and 18 warnings for traffic offenses.
• State police reported on an incident of DUI that occurred Saturday on the Morrisdale-Allport Highway near Church Street in Morris Township. According to state police, a vehicle operated by a 26-year-old Coalport man traveled through a sobriety checkpoint without stopping. The man had allegedly been consuming alcohol and was taken to the Clearfield barracks for a breath test.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Friday on East Plank Road in Port Matilda Borough. During the incident, a 40-year-old Port Matilda man allegedly damaged a wooden gate belonging to the victim.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred between June 19 and July 4 in Halfmoon Township. During the incident, someone allegedly struck a residential window with a pellet gun. Then, they fled the scene.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Saturday on Pine Street in Philipsburg Borough. During the incident, a 58-year-old Philipsburg woman allegedly called the victim’s cell phone multiple times to threaten her. State police say she also left the victim a harassing voicemail on her cell phone. The woman was cited for the incident through the district court.
• State police reported on an incident of DUI that occurred Saturday on Presqueisle Street in Philipsburg Borough. Following a traffic stop, a 25-year-old male was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol. Charges will be filed through the district court upon results of blood testing.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to Kurtz Park for a female who had reportedly been sleeping on a bench for the past few nights. Police made contact with the female who had an active warrant through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office. She was transported to the jail on the warrant.
• Police received a report about a fight involving two males and a female on West Pine Street. Police responded to the area but were unable to locate anyone.
• Police received a report about a vehicle being driven recklessly on Bigler Avenue. Police searched the area but could not locate the vehicle.
• Police reported that a male was arrested for absconding from Pennsylvania State Parole on Nichols Street. He allegedly attempted to flee from the rear of a residence but was taken into custody by officers outside. The male was turned over to state parole agents and transported to a facility.
• Police arrested a male on several warrants and for resisting arrest after a suspicious vehicle complaint at Kurtz Park. When contacted by police, the male reportedly fled on foot into East End but was later taken into custody. He was transported to the jail.
• Police arrested a male for suspicion of DUI after he was stopped along Nichols Street for a traffic violation.
• Police responded to several fireworks complaints throughout Clearfield Borough during the weekend.
• Police responded to an activated alarm along North Second Street and discovered an employee had accidently set the alarm off.
• Police responded to a report about drug paraphernalia that was located in Lower Witmer Park.
• Police responded to a disturbance between a male and female on Nichols Street. Police found the altercation was verbal in nature. However, the male was found to have an active warrant though the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office and was transported to the jail.
• Police were notified about drugs that were in a trash can inside Upper Witmer Park.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a male sleeping in a common area hallway Sunday at Lawrence Park Village. Upon making contact with the male, it was determined he had attempted to visit a friend after an altercation with his significant other. Police allegedly located controlled substances on the male, which were seized and sent to the Erie Regional Crime Laboratory for testing. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police reported on an incident of DUI that occurred Sunday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. While conducting routine patrol, officers observed a vehicle that was traveling over the white fog line on the right-hand side, as it passed in the opposite direction of the officers’ patrol unit. Police conducted a U-turn in order to get behind the vehicle, at which time they observed the vehicle traveling off the roadway again. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted in the McDonald’s parking lot, and the driver was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol. She was taken to the hospital for a blood draw and later released to a sober person. Charges will be filed as a result of the incident.
• Police reported a drug violation that occurred Saturday after a suspicious vehicle was observed on Reighard Street. Upon making contact with the driver and passenger, both were allegedly found to have been smoking marijuana. Police say they also seized a small amount of marijuana and a pipe from the occupants. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct that occurred Friday on Valley View Drive. During the incident, a former husband and wife allegedly engaged in a mutual scuffle over the custody of their children. Both sustained minor injuries and charges are currently pending against both.
• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred May 29 at the Clearfield Wal-Mart. While shopping at the store, a 51-year-old Clearfield woman allegedly under-rang an item at check-out and then left the store without paying for the item. Charges will be filed as a result.
• On July 3, an inmate was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance at the Clearfield County Jail. Charges will be filed as a result.

DUBOIS – A local notary has been accused of withholding more than $16,500 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation between March 31, 2016 and July 7, 2017.

Heather N. Woodel, 33, has been charged with one count of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds; 99 counts of bad checks; and 221 counts of summary notary violations through the magisterial district court in DuBois.

According to a news release issued by Trooper Chad D. Ryen, Woodel accepted customers’ payments at Ace Notary Services, DuBois The payments were for Pennsylvania vehicle titles and registrations.

Woodel failed to submit the money and paperwork to PennDOT within 20 days, as required. As a result, customers didn’t receive their vehicle titles and or registrations. Once paperwork was submitted, it was accompanied by bad checks written by Woodel, state police say.

Woodel allegedly withheld a total of $16,507.16 from PennDOT.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Monday on Boundary Road in Wallaceton Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly drove over a fire hose with their vehicle, damaging it. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about a theft from a motor vehicle that occurred July 5-6 outside a Pruner Street residence in Osceola Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly took the victim’s iPhone from his vehicle. Then, they fled the scene in an unknown direction and manner. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred June 22 on East Plank Road in Port Matilda Borough. During the incident, a couple allegedly engaged in a physical domestic altercation. Both were cited for the incident through the district court.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred between Dec. 24, 2017 and July 3 on Spike Island Road in Rush Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took the victim’s Taurus 1911 handgun from his residence. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-342-3370.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred July 6 at a Route 119 residence in Henderson Township. During the incident, a known Sykesville woman allegedly took prescription medication and cash before fleeing the residence. Charges have been filed against the woman through the district court.
• State police reported on a drug-related DUI incident that occurred Sunday on Route 119 in Young Township. According to state police, a vehicle driven by a male from the U.S. Virgin Islands was stopped for a summary traffic violation. He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was also suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance. State police took the male into custody and charged him with DUI and drug possession offenses. He was arraigned and released on unsecured bail.

CLEARFIELD – A former Houtzdale woman cried as she was sentenced to state prison for her involvement with a local drug ring on Tuesday.

Pamela Gavlak, 52, and her two children, Robert Gavlak and Catherine Anderson were also part of a group selling cocaine in Clearfield County.

Todd Mequim Anderson, 46, Catherine’s husband, was determined to be the leader of the drug enterprise and the one bringing the drug into the area from Beaver County, according to a press release from the Attorney General’s office.

Prior to sentencing on Tuesday, Gavlak’s attorney, Robert Donaldson asked Judge Fredric J. Ammerman for a lesser sentence than the probation department’s recommendation of 22 months to five years in state prison for Gavlak.

He questioned the classification of her case in the category of 50 to 100 grams of cocaine, which requires the long sentence.

Donaldson also claimed Gavlak had not actually sold the drug.

Deputy Attorney General David Gorman responded to this by saying there were documented purchases of about two grams of cocaine a week from her, which would put her total at over 50 grams.

Ammerman noted there were allegations that she was actually helping run the drug enterprise. Gavlak was emotional as she apologized for her actions.

Ammerman sentenced her to the full 22 months to five years in state prison.

Catherine Anderson, 35, was also sentenced Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (cocaine – 10 to 50 grams), criminal conspiracy and criminal use of communication facility.

She will serve 11.5 months to two years less one day in the county jail and two years consecutive probation.

They are the last of the family members to be sentenced in this case.

Todd Anderson and his uncle, Leroy Bryant were previously given sentences of eight to 16 years in state prison.

Robert Gavlak also received a term of 11.5 months to two years less one day in the county jail and five years consecutive probation.

These individuals were identified after a series of controlled drug purchases.

Investigators seized more than 70 grams of cocaine, $2,750 in cash and drug paraphernalia through raids in Houtzdale in March of 2017 and Philipsburg in June of 2017.

In the original press release, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said, “This drug ring was selling more than $10,000 of cocaine a month – pumping their poison into Clearfield and surrounding communities.”

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported that an accidental fire occurred Monday at 61 Boundary Rd., in Wallaceton Borough. State police say that property loss is estimated at $50,000.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Tuesday on Clover Street in Decatur Township. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a unicorn float from a pool. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred July 7 on Splash Dam Road in Penn Township. During the incident, a known male allegedly deprived the victim of hydrocodone pills. Charges are to be filed against the male.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft/fraud that occurred June 4 at the AT&T store in Puyallup, Wash. During the incident, someone allegedly opened an account under the victim’s name without his consent. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of identity theft that occurred March 9 on Hamilton Markton Road in Perry Township. State police have identified the suspect, a 45-year-old Punxsutawney man, who allegedly used the victim’s identity; the investigation is ongoing at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of harassment by communication that occurred Tuesday on Byers Street. During the incident, a female allegedly sent “nasty” text messages to a female victim. Police attempted to make contact with the female offender but were unable to leave a voicemail; the incident remains under investigation at this time.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about an open door at a business on North Main Street. A witness told police she had made entry and found the business was closed, which prompted her report. Upon arrival, police secured the door and notified the business owner.
• Police received a report about a dog that was running loose in traffic near the Sheetz store on North Brady Street. Upon arrival, police searched the area but couldn’t locate the dog.
• Police responded to a two-vehicle collision on North Brady Street at the entrance to the Sheetz store. No injuries were reported to police, and both vehicles were drivable. Police assisted the drivers with the exchange of information.
• Police were requested to assist emergency personnel with a mental health call. Upon arrival, the patient advised that he wanted to speak with someone. He was subsequently transported to Penn Highlands.
• Police responded to a reported drug overdose on East Sherman Avenue. Upon arrival, Narcan had already been administered, along with CPR. The male was subsequently transported to the hospital.

CLEARFIELD – A Glen Richey man accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl while she was intoxicated pleaded guilty Tuesday during a special session of sentencing court.

Harley S. Rothrock, 20, was sentenced by Judge Fredric J. Ammerman to 12 months to three years in state prison and two years probation for two counts each of statutory sexual assault, indecent assault person less than 16 years of age and corruption of minors.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 26 the victim’s mother reported that her daughter had sex with Rothrock. She stated a witness saw Rothrock and the teen together at her residence.

This witness reportedly told police the girl stayed at her Clearfield Borough home from Oct. 18-20.

In the early morning hours of Oct. 20, she looked into the bedroom where the girl, Rothrock and the witness’s son were laying.

The witness said she saw the teen, who was lying on the bed with her hips in the air, moving under a blanket as if she was pulling her pants up, according to the report.

When she confronted them, they apologized for “having sex” in her bed and said that it would never happen again, she said.

Rothrock said “it was very disrespectful to do that,” especially with her young son sleeping in the same bed.

The girl later told police that she had previously had sex with Rothrock after the two attended a party.

She reportedly said she was intoxicated and high on marijuana when he helped her walk to a car and then into a cornfield where the first encounter occurred.

They went back to the party and then to a residence where they had sex twice more, police said.

She also stated that while she was at the Clearfield Borough residence, they had sex two out of the three nights she stayed there. She advised that she was high “on weed” at the time, according to the report.

In his interview with police, Rothrock told investigators he was also intoxicated when they had sex.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred Wednesday at the Dollar General in Irvona Borough. During the incident, two adult females allegedly took several items without paying for them. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police responded to a two-vehicle crash Wednesday on the Mahaffey-Grampian Highway in Penn Township. Patrick J. Naab, 24, of Hyde was traveling westbound and negotiating a left-hand curve. He subsequently lost control of his vehicle, which exited the northern side of the roadway and re-entered while traveling sideways. The Naab vehicle continued traveling sideways and entered the eastbound lane of travel, where another vehicle, driven by Noah Cline, 20, of Clearfield, struck its passenger’s side. Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and no injuries were reported to state police. State police were assisted by Curwensville Ambulance, Grampian and Mahaffey fire companies and towing services. Both Naab and Cline were reportedly wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police reported a drug overdose that occurred Tuesday at a Gaskill Township residence. State police say a 44-year-old Punxsutawney man showed apparent signs of an overdose and was taken to the Punxsutawney Area Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft at Rural King on July 9. During the incident, a known male was allegedly pushing an employee in an effort to flee after concealing four cans of spray paint on his person. Police determined the male was also wanted and on probation. He was lodged in county jail for a violation and charged with retail theft and harassment.
• Police received a report about an incident of trespassing at the Edgewood Apartments on July 9. Further investigation revealed that the female in question had never trespassed on the property. However, a male, with whom she was affiliated with, was taken into custody on a warrant; he was subsequently housed in county jail.
• On Wednesday police received a report about a fugitive from justice from Warden Greg Collins at the Clearfield County Jail. Collins told police a detainer had been issued by the Westminster, Md. Police Department for Kelly Harrison Shumaker. It was requested that Collins hold Shumaker for extradition to Maryland on second-degree felony assault charges on law enforcement officer, Cpl. William Long, while performing his duties. Shumaker is also facing charges of theft, receiving stolen property and attempted theft.

COVINGTON TOWNSHIP – A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal is investigating after a Jeep was found burned in Covington Township.

According to a news release, Clearfield-based state police received a report Wednesday evening about a Jeep that was found completely burned in a wooded area off the Caledonia Pike.

State police have not located a vehicle identification number. However, it’s believed that this Jeep was recently stolen from the Chester Hill area.

The fire marshal is continuing the investigation at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

Stephanie Diane McGuire (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD –Stephanie McGuire, who was sent to state prison for her involvement in an assault on her three-week-old child, was back in court Thursday.

In March last year Aaron Mills, 33, and the girl’s mother, McGuire, 23, of Osceola Mills were both charged by state police after the girl was examined by McGuire’s physician for a severe diaper rash.

It was discovered that both of the girl’s legs were broken. She had abrasions on her face, a tear inside her mouth between her gums and nose along with a cracked rib and tears in her rectum, according to information at the preliminary hearing.

McGuire pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, criminal conspiracy, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of drug paraphernalia in April when Judge Paul Cherry gave her a total sentence of two to seven years in state prison followed by three years probation.

She had signed an open plea for a total of 10 years of supervision.

Leanne Nedza, attorney for McGuire, filed a motion for reconsideration of sentence, which was discussed in motions court in May.

At that time, Nedza said that the sentence was outside the aggravated range, which requires the judge to list his reasons for the severe sentence in the court order. This was not included.

This aspect of the reconsideration motion was granted and McGuire was transported from state prison Thursday to appear before Cherry for resentencing.

Cherry stated that although his reasoning for the long sentence was mentioned during her sentencing hearing, it was not a part of the sentencing order as required.

He resentenced her again to two to seven years in state prison with three years consecutive probation.

He then explained he chose this sentence because of the serious nature of the case and the injuries as well as her “callous indifference to the suffering of the child.”

Prior to sentencing, Nedza reminded the judge that Mills admitted to causing the injuries to the baby. She stated that once McGuire is released, she will live with her sister adding that McGuire has the support of her family, two members of which appeared in court to voice their opinions.

McGuire’s sister, Cassandra McGuire said their family is ready, willing and able to support her. She stated that Stephanie made a mistake in trusting Aaron and asked the judge to keep her “closer to home.”

Her aunt, Diane McGuire, also stated that it was not Stephanie, who hurt the baby and mentioned that after taking the child repeatedly to the doctor for diaper rash, she was told not to come back.

During the original sentencing hearing, Nedza said McGuire actually took the child to the doctor four times after the baby was born. She also stated Mills watched the child for the first time the night before the injuries were discovered.

Mills was sentenced in February to 15 to 40 years in state prison.

Ethan M. Fritz (Provided photo)

FALLS CREEK – A Clearfield Borough police officer is facing charges for domestic violence in Jefferson County.

Online court records show that Ethan M. Fritz, 25, of Falls Creek has been charged by DuBois-based state police with two misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, plus one count of summary harassment.

Fritz was incarcerated Wednesday at the Jefferson County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail, which he has since posted. He’s scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing July 31.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on July 6, a trooper was walking toward the 100 block of Church Street in Falls Creek. He saw three separate vehicles arrive and then heard yelling.

At the scene, he saw three people and made contact with Fritz’s mother first. In an “elevated” tone, she told the trooper to speak to her son because of “what he did.”

At this time, Fritz was standing on his covered porch. The victim, his wife, was carrying their baby in a car seat from inside the residence to her vehicle.

The trooper requested for the victim to remain at the scene, and he asked Fritz to come speak with him. Fritz admitted to having engaged in an argument with his wife.

Fritz said he left and went to his buddy’s residence and when he returned later, his mother began “flipping out” on him. Then, he said the trooper arrived on scene.

Another trooper who responded to assist with the investigation interviewed Fritz’s mother.

She began by saying her son had “hurt the victim again” and the victim had come to her office at the Falls Creek Borough building to advise her of the couple’s argument.

She said the victim told her that Fritz had hurt her wrist. She advised the trooper that, “You need to see her wrist,” and “it isn’t OK what he is doing to her.”

Troopers also interviewed the victim who said the couple began arguing after Fritz accused her of cheating on him. She eventually decided to take their baby and go to her parents’ residence until she went to work.

She gathered some things up in a bag and sat the baby down in the car seat on the front porch. She had the bag in her hand, which Fritz allegedly tried to grab and pull with its strap around her wrist.

The victim said she was able to free her hand. Then, she left and went to Fritz’s mother’s office to advise her of what had just happened.

When asked if this was the first time Fritz had acted this way, she indicated that police have been to the couple’s residence two other times over domestic arguments.

The victim said at the time of one previous incident, she was one-month pregnant. She said because he was “hurting” her, she fled to his mother’s residence next door.

During the interview, state police observed an abrasion on the victim’s left wrist. State police took photographs of the injury.

Fritz was interviewed outside his residence, at which time he denied “touching” his wife’s wrist. He also denied pulling the bag and claimed she’s been known to “smack her own wrists.”

On July 10, a summary non-traffic citation was filed before the district court. Later a “known person” arrived at the DuBois barracks after being contacted about the domestic incident and Fritz losing his job.

The person reported they were aware of threats made toward the victim by Fritz and supplied state police with contact information to further their investigation.

Through an interview, state police learned a relative was concerned for the well-being of the victim and her baby. He said her wrist was possibly fractured and had been wrapped in a bandage since the incident.

The victim contacted state police and advised that her wrist had swelled, leaving her with limited mobility. She had also observed discoloration in her wrist and she had it wrapped upon recommendation from a paramedic.

The victim explained to state police that she hadn’t gone to the hospital due to lack of insurance. The trooper asked if he could respond to take updated photographs and she gave him her location.

The trooper observed discoloration in the victim’s thumb and swelling in her wrist. She said she had trouble moving her thumb because it hurt so much.

When asked if she had any other information to report, she said she and Fritz had argued again the morning of July 10 because he had been text-messaging other girls.

Fritz allegedly told her that she “wouldn’t wake up the next morning” because something “would be in her throat.”  She said that was when she decided she was leaving and not coming back.

Based on new evidence, state police decided to withdraw the original summary harassment charge filed against Fritz. He appeared at the DuBois barracks and was taken into custody for domestic violence.

Fritz was introduced as a new police officer serving Clearfield Borough in September of 2017. He graduated from the Municipal Police Academy at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May of last year, according to a previously-published GANT News report.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about a Protection from Abuse order violation that occurred Wednesday at a South Front Street residence in Philipsburg Borough. During the incident, a 26-year-old Pleasant Gap man allegedly violated an active PFA order. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness Thursday at Q Care, located on River Road, in Lawrence Township. According to police, a 58-year-old Clearfield man was inside the facility and believed to be under the influence. Upon arrival, police found that the man was “visibly intoxicated” and he was removed from the premises. Police released the man into the care of a responsible person, and a citation is currently pending against him.
• Police received a report about a retail theft that occurred Wednesday at the Label Shopper in Lawrence Township. During the incident, a female suspect allegedly took multiple clothing items without paying for them. Employees were able to provide police with a vehicle description and registration number. Officers responded to the registered address on Guinea Hill Road, and identified the suspect as a Clearfield woman. While searching for stolen merchandise, police located suspected methamphetamine. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a theft from a motor vehicle that occurred Thursday on Poplar Avenue in Lawrence Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took a wallet and mortar fireworks – valued at $50 – from a vehicle. Police say that the wallet contained a debit card and the victim’s driver’s license.
• On Wednesday police received information about a wanted fugitive from New York who was being housed in county jail. Charges of arrest prior to requisition have been filed for extradition.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident Thursday in the area of the Rockton Mountain Highway and Mill Road. According to police, a vehicle had been traveling down Rockton Mountain when the driver lost control. His vehicle went off the roadway and into the parking lot at the Florian Banquet Center. The driver was suspected of being under the influence and administered field sobriety tests. He was taken to the hospital for a blood test and then put in county jail with charges pending.