State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an alleged domestic assault that occurred Tuesday at a Dinky Road residence in Decatur Township. Charges were filed through the district court as a result.
• State police reported that Sarah A. Frank, 29, of Philipsburg was located Tuesday. State police had been attempting to locate Frank, who hadn’t been in contact with family since July 9 and who hadn’t been physically seen by her mother since June 28. She had failed to report to Centre County Probation and there was a warrant for her arrest.
• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Tuesday on East Seventh Street in Clearfield Borough. According to the report, a vehicle operated by a 45-year-old Huntingdon man was fleeing from Clearfield Borough police. The man then got out of the vehicle and left it in neutral, and it coated back and struck the officers’ patrol unit. State police say the man’s vehicle sustained very minor damage, and there wasn’t any damage to the patrol unit.

State police at Punxsutawney have filed charges against 16 people following a lengthy investigation of drug trafficking in the Jefferson County area.

According to Captain Bernard J. Petrovsky of PSP Troop C, the investigation targeted the trafficking of opioids, prescription pain medications and crystal methamphetamine.

Charges filed include manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; possession of a controlled substance; criminal use of a communication facility; conspiracy – manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to state police, members of Troop C and The Jefferson County Drug Task Force assisted in picking up the following individuals on arrest warrants:

• Scott Brosius, 40, of Brookville
• Chelsea Chestnut, 30, of Brookville
• Zachary Clinchoc, 29, currently incarcerated
• Vincent Foringer, 20, of DuBois
• Glenn Fox, 30, of Reynoldsville
• Tyler Fox, 20, of Clarion
• Calvin Keeder, 35, incarcerated
• Samantha Lucas, 26, of Brookville
• Brian Robinson, 36, of Punxsutawney
• Avarea Smith, 20, incarcerated
• Michael White, 32, incarcerated
• A known 16-year-old female juvenile

According to state police, arrest warrants are still outstanding for:

• Michelle Houston, 43, of Falls Creek
• Jerri Nelson, 37, of DuBois
• Jeremy Pruszko, 32, of Penfield
• Caylia Shank, 26, of Punxsutawney

Anyone who sees any of these individuals is asked to contact the Punxsutawney-based state police at 814-938-0510.

CLEARFIELD – A local man has been accused of sexually assaulting a young girl.

Kenneth Henry Stover, 56, of Clearfield has been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with felony counts of aggravated indecent assault of child and corruption of minors/defendant age 18 years or above, plus one misdemeanor count of indecent assault.

Stover waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail has been set at $100,000 monetary.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Jim Glass, on June 28, a 6-year-old girl told a relative that she was sexually assaulted by Stover on that same date. The girl was taken to Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital for an examination.

The next day, the girl was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County. She said Stover was visiting with her relative and he had her sit on his lap, while they were on the couch in the living room.

Stover allegedly put his hand inside her underwear and touched her private area. She said he did this to her three, different times the date prior and he also allegedly made her touch his private area.

The girl’s relative confirmed Stover was at their residence and played with the girl. After Stover left, she said the girl immediately told her that he had inappropriately touched her.

On July 11, Patrick interviewed Stover at the county jail and he reportedly admitted to the crime.

Clearfield Borough

• Police conducted a vehicle stop along Bridge Street. Police say the driver was found to have an active warrant, which they were able to satisfy at the scene.
• Police received a noise complaint on North Fourth Street. Upon arrival, police found a male had allegedly been assaulted and he also had an active warrant.  Upon further investigation, a female was found inside, and she was found to have an active warrant through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office.
• Police received a report about a disturbance on Turnpike Avenue. According to police, a male had driven through the victim’s yard and attempted to fight him.  Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a noise complaint that occurred on Turnpike Avenue. According to police, a female was slamming doors and causing a disturbance.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a female on South Second Street. Police located the female and found her to be in good health.
• Police attempted to stop a vehicle after a traffic violation. However, police said that the driver failed to stop and eventually traveled onto a dead-end road. He was taken into custody and found to have an active warrant from the Pennsylvania State Parole Board.
• Police received a noise complaint that occurred on East Cherry Street.
• Lawrence Township police were assisted with a vehicle accident along Gulich Avenue.

Lawrence Township

• Police conducted a traffic stop Thursday in the Hampton Inn parking lot. Upon making contact with the driver, he reportedly provided a false name; however, he was eventually identified as Vaughn Humberson, 38, of Curwensville. Police said there were active warrants for him through the department. His passenger, identified as Amanda Humberson, 35, of Curwensville, was found to have an active warrant through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office. Both were taken into custody by police, and Vaughn Humberson was able to clear his warrants. He will be charged for providing false identification to police and for the various traffic violations. Amanda Humberson was housed in county jail on the sheriff’s warrant.

CURWENSVILLE – A Curwensville man has been accused of stealing more than $4,000 from his girlfriend’s mother.

Philip Roy Shape II, 23, has been charged by Chief Mark Kelly of the Curwensville Borough police with five felony counts of access device issued to another who didn’t authorize use; 13 misdemeanor counts of access device issued to another who didn’t authorize use; nine counts of possessing access device knowing counterfeit/altered; and a felony count each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Shape waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail has been set at $10,000 unsecured.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a preliminary theft investigation was initiated by a Clearfield Borough officer who received a report from the victim. She had come into the station and provided bank statements with highlighted transactions.

She explained that she neither shops online nor owns a computer. She pointed out a transaction from Auto Zone and indicated she has a mechanic who performs her vehicle maintenance work.

The Clearfield officer asked the victim how much she typically withdraws from her account. She said $20 with exception to two larger withdrawals she made in November of 2017 for Christmas shopping.

The victim also said a bank employee had watched surveillance footage of withdrawals made in November of 2017 and indicated that it wasn’t her.

She suspected that it was her daughter or her daughter’s boyfriend, Shape, who live with her. She said perhaps she gave them her card to use just before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Clearfield Borough officer forwarded the information to Kelly on Jan. 11. The next day, he received video from the victim’s bank and observed a male accessing its ATM in Clearfield. The male was later identified as Shape through his Pennsylvania driver’s license information.

On Jan. 30, Kelly presented a search warrant to obtain video surveillance of a different ATM in Curwensville. He observed the same male, who was viewed in the previous surveillance video, and again identified him as Shape.

Kelly also contacted Auto Zone of Clearfield, which was a location that the victim’s debit/credit card had been used at. An employee said the transaction was made online, but items must be picked up in the store.

The employee explained the store policy is for the clerk who handles the online purchase to verify the person for identification purposes. The clerk, for this particular transaction, was not available at the time Kelly was on the phone.

It was found a “hub assembly” was purchased online by “Philip Shape,” because he utilized his e-mail address and cell phone number.  Kelly requested for a copy of the receipt and other supporting documentation.

According to the affidavit, the receipt showed an online transaction in the amount of $127.19 on Nov. 9, 2017 using the victim’s debit/credit card.

On Feb. 1, the store manager indicated to Kelly the part worked in several GM vehicles, most notably a GMC Sierra 1500, which Shape currently owns and operates.

Kelly served a second search warrant to obtain surveillance of the ATM in Curwensville. The video showed Shape making withdrawals on five different dates between Nov. 22 and Dec. 7, and each withdrawal was for $503 for a total of $2,515.

On April 20, Kelly interviewed the victim and asked how Shape would have obtained her pin number for her debit/credit card and she didn’t know. She said she didn’t give her pin to Shape or to anyone else.

On May 31, Kelly conducted a formal interview with Shape. Shape said: “I’m not gonna lie. I did use the card, but I had permission to use her card.”  He was told if he had permission, they wouldn’t be conducting an interview.

Kelly advised him the bank was out of $4,029.03 because it had reimbursed the victim the total amount, as it was alerted to the fraudulent activity.

When he was presented with financial records of purchases, Shape said he did buy items for his truck through Amazon but claimed he had paid the victim back. Kelly told Shape he would give him a few days to come up with that proof.

Shape then allegedly admitted to using the victim’s debit/credit card at all the locations. He asked Kelly what the nature of the charges would be and he was told more than likely access device fraud, theft and receiving stolen property.

Shape said he did use the card and Kelly said he would give him a few days in case he felt some of the items weren’t withdrawn by him. He then commented, “no sense in lying, I used the card.”

Shape allegedly made seven Amazon purchases totaling $570.54 and an Auto Zone purchase totaling $127.19 in November of 2017; five ATM withdrawals in Curwensville totaling $2,515 in November and December of 2017; two ATM withdrawals in Clearfield totaling $400 in November of 2017; and two Snappy’s Convenience Store purchases totaling $404.50 in November of 2017; plus, there were ATM service charges totaling $11.80.

The total restitution owed is $4,029.03, according to the affidavit.

Christopher Scott Walters and Autumn Rose Hall (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – Two people are accused of having a stolen vehicle in Clearfield Borough.

Christopher Scott Walters, 44, of Theodore, Ala., has been charged by Officer Mitchell Klender of the Clearfield Borough police with a felony count of receiving stolen property; a misdemeanor count of false identification to a law enforcement officer; and two summaries. Bail has been set at $100,000.

Walters’ co-defendant, Autumn Rose Hall, 33, of Lock Haven has also been charged with a felony count of receiving stolen property. Bail has been set at $25,000.

Both Walters and Hall waived their rights to preliminary hearings Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police received a report about an assault at 9:07 p.m. July 13 in the 300 block of East Pine Street. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim outside the building.

He said he had come down the stairs at the rear of the building and knocked to speak to tenants about water leaking. He said two males started yelling at him from another apartment.

He said the males confronted him and started to punch him in the face and kick him. Klender observed slight redness and a minor abrasion below the victim’s right eye.

After speaking with the victim and other witnesses, officers went to the apartment and were let inside. Klender could observe a male down the hall and had him come out into the kitchen area. A female was inside the same room with him and she followed behind him.

The couple told officers that they didn’t have identification on them but provided their names and birthdates. The female was identified as Hall and this was confirmed by a photograph with the in-car computer.

However, the male told police that his name was Charles Johnson and his birthdate was Oct. 27, 1971. He also said that he was from Georgia but had a Pennsylvania license.

Police were told the victim was assaulted by a male who had left prior to their arrival. While Clearfield County Control was attempting to verify information, police had the victim attempt to identify the male who assaulted him.

The victim stood at the bottom of the stairs and police had one male step out. Police were told he was not one of the males involved in the assault. Police asked the male, who had identified himself as Johnson, to step out next and the victim said he was one of the two males who had struck him.

County Control and Klender were unable to locate any records for the name and birthdate provided by the male who claimed to be Charles Johnson. He was advised that he was under official investigation and if he provided a false name, he would be charged. The male assured police the information was correct and then provided his Social Security Number.

Klender proceeded to retrieve his mobile fingerprint scanner and requested the male to place his right and left thumb on the pad when he was prompted to. Klender was able to identify the male as Walters, and there was a warrant listed out of Georgia for a probation violation for a “stolen vehicle.”

Officers placed handcuffs on Walters behind his back and double locked them. The warrant was confirmed by Clearfield County Control, and it was listed as “in-state pick-up only.” Klender indicated in court paperwork that the SSN Walters provided was incorrect, as well.

Walters was led down the stairs out of the apartment and put in the rear of the patrol unit. While clearing the apartment, an officer observed a teal-colored Honda Accord with an Alabama registration parked along East Pine Street.

Police ran its registration information and found that it was stolen out of Alabama. This was confirmed by County Control, which sent a hit to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

A neighboring resident approached when police were examining the vehicle. She said she had observed two males and a blonde female exit the vehicle earlier in the day. She also said she saw them moving several items from the trunk.

When Klender went back to the apartment, he was advised that Hall had just left with a male. An officer remained on scene with the vehicle, while Klender searched the area for Hall and the male. Both were located on North Fifth Street just up from East Locust Street. Hall agreed to come to the station to speak with police.

Hall said she and Walters were previously together but had split up.  He had reached out to her and met her in Williamsport. When he picked her up, she said Walters told her the car was “hot,” which she assumed meant stolen since he didn’t have money to buy one.

Police spoke with Walters after reading his Miranda Rights. He eventually requested to speak with an attorney.

An officer searched for Walters on Facebook and located his profile. In a post, a woman commented, “Bring my son’s car home …”

The officer went to the woman’s Facebook profile and observed two photographs of Hall and Walters walking on a dirt path. She wrote: “This is Christopher Walters and Autumn Hall. These are the people who stole [the victim’s] car.” She also wrote, “Trespassing on my neighbor’s property, they got him on the game cam before he stole our car.”

Police spoke with the officer investigating the motor vehicle theft and confirmed that Walters and Hall were the suspects.

CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man is facing charges after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs.

Brian James Miller, 23, has been charged by Trooper John A. Bacher IV with a felony count of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and misdemeanor counts of intentional possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia, plus six summaries.

Miller waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. Bail was modified from $50,000 monetary to unsecured.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Bacher was on routine patrol on Fourth Avenue traveling out of Houtzdale around 5:45 p.m. June 25. He passed Miller’s residence and observed his truck pulling out of the yard.

Bacher identified Miller as the driver through the windshield. He was aware Miller’s license was suspended and positive of his identity from previous incidents. Bacher also observed that the truck wasn’t displaying an inspection sticker.

Bacher continued traveling until he could find a safe place to turn around. He later caught back up with Miller’s truck at the Houtzdale blinker light and attempted to run his license plate. However, it was displayed on an opaque cover that was “fogged” over.

Miller’s license plate was reportedly “unreadable” from Bacher’s position directly behind the truck. Bacher proceeded to conduct a traffic stop at the Fuel On Gas Station, located off Spring Street in Houtzdale.

Upon closer inspection of Miller’s registration plate, it was determined to have expired in July of 2017. When Bacher spoke to Miller, he was aware that his license was suspended; his truck wasn’t registered; and he didn’t have insurance.

Bacher said the truck’s windows were tinted enough that he couldn’t see through them; the tires were bald; the headlights and taillights were tinted black; and the truck didn’t have a front bumper.

Miller appeared to be very nervous and was asked if there was anything illegal inside his truck. He replied no. Bacher asked for and received consent to search the truck, and another trooper arrived to wait with Miller while the truck was being searched.

Located inside a lockbox/compartment beneath the front, middle seat were three stamped bags with the word “Fiji” of heroin; a small bag of methamphetamine; a small amount of marijuana; several unknown pills; numerous small baggies for packaging; rolling papers; and a cell phone.

In an interview with state police, Miller said he didn’t know the drugs were inside the truck. He allegedly admitted that the drugs were his but implied they used to be.

State police asked Miller if he put his marijuana into individual bags for his personal use.  He replied no, saying the only drugs he’s used since January were Subutex and marijuana.

The heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana were NIK tested and positively identified by state police.

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.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Wednesday on Blue Spruce Road in Decatur Township. During the incident, two men allegedly engaged in an argument that turned physical. Both were charged through the district court.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred between July 15 and Wednesday on Old Shawmut Grade Road in Fox Township. During the incident, someone allegedly broke into an unoccupied building, damaging windows and doors. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-776-6136.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about an intoxicated male who kept falling. Police located the male along South Third Street, and he was found to be highly intoxicated. Police subsequently transported the male to the county jail.
• Police located an open door at a local business. An employee arrived and was able to secure the door.
• Police received a report about stolen property from a West Front Street resident.
• Police received a report about several juveniles fighting with each other in East End. Upon arrival, police found the juveniles had fled the area.
• Police received a report about suspected drug activity on South Second Street. However, the vehicle had left the area prior to police arrival.
• Police received a report about people being loud at a late hour on Daisy Street. Upon arrival, police warned the people of their actions.
• Police received a report about an apparent intoxicated female on Turnpike Avenue. Police located the female and found her to be OK.
• Police were requested to conduct a welfare check on East Seventh Street. As a result, one female was found to have an active arrest warrant through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office. She was subsequently transported to the jail.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a theft from a motor vehicle that occurred sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning on Shaw Street. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a pistol from the center console of the victim’s vehicle while it was parked in the driveway of his residence. Police described the firearm as being a 9mm Smith & Wesson, M&P Shield. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident that occurred Thursday in the area of Washington Avenue and Bailey Settlement Highway. According to police, a female driver was traveling toward Curwensville when her vehicle exited the right-hand side of the roadway and entered a small stream. The driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and transported to the hospital for a legal blood draw. Laboratory results and criminal charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a domestic disturbance in progress July 23 on Lawhead Street. Prior to police arrival, the involved male fled the scene. He was later located by an officer and taken into custody. Police say the male, identified as Caleb Collar, held arrest warrants and was put in county jail.

DuBois City

• Police received multiple reports about vehicles being egged overnight in DuBois City.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a person at a West Long Avenue residence. According to police, a younger child made a call for assistance, saying he needed help with getting out of handcuffs. Upon arrival, police made contact with an adult, and he said he didn’t know what police were talking about. Then his son and his friend came downstairs and police observed that the friend had a toy handcuff stuck on his wrist. The boy indicated he made the call for assistance, and the handcuffs were removed by the adult. Police advised that 911 should only be called in the event of an emergency.
• Police received a report about an incident of theft and criminal mischief at Palumbo’s Meat Market. During the incident, someone allegedly broke into the soda machine and took cash. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about shots being fired with a BB gun at a residence on South Brady Street. Upon arrival to the scene, the female resident told police her window was shot at with a BB gun, and police observed holes from the apparent act. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Photo by Julie Rae Rickard

CLEARFIELD – Convicted murderer Jessica Holtmeyer was in court Friday for a special hearing with testimony regarding whether she has been rehabilitated or not.

Holtmeyer was 16 years old in 1998 when she was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without a chance for parole for the death of Kimberly Dotts.

In June of 2017, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that juveniles convicted of first-degree murder can only be given life without parole sentences in rare cases when “the juvenile offender is permanently incorrigible and thus is unable to be rehabilitated,” according to court documents.

The case is being reviewed through a post-conviction relief act petition that includes the new sentencing guidelines of a minimum of 35 years in prison for someone between the ages of 15 years old and 18 years old convicted of first-degree murder.

Senior Judge Daniel L. Howsare of Bedford County is presiding over the case because President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman was recused from the case in November of 2016, according to previous reports.

Testimony in Holtmeyer’s trial revealed that she and Aaron Straw hanged Dotts twice because they were afraid she was going to snitch on their plans to run away to Florida.

Holtmeyer, now 36, was also convicted of smashing Dotts’ face with a basketball-sized rock while the girl lay convulsing on the ground after the second hanging.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. offered no witnesses for the commonwealth on Friday during a hearing, but asked that the transcript of her trial, the affidavit and impact statements from the victim’s family be included with the information for Howsare to review prior to making a decision on Holtmeyer’s new sentence.

Patrick Lavelle who is representing Holtmeyer, called three witnesses.

Troy Edwards, a re-entry coordinator with the Department of Corrections at the state prison in Muncy, testified that he has known Holtmeyer for 14 years and has worked with her in her role as a certified peer support specialist.

He explained that you need a certain skill set and “have to be really good with people” to have this position. “She actually is one of the best CPS’s we have.”

Edwards went on to review Holtmeyer’s educational accomplishments including her training as a paralegal, completing business management courses and the numerous certificates she has earned.

One of these is the completion of the voluntary House of Hope program. This program helps domestic violence victim’s deal with trauma.

He stated that she has made a lot of progress during her incarceration that began with a few misconducts.

The staff really relies on her, he said, adding that she works in the re-entry program and sees other people come home every day.

“I can’t imagine that,” he said.

Edwards said he believes she is better prepared to leave the prison than most of the others. “She has grown everywhere she’s been planted at Muncy.”

During his cross-examination of this witness, Shaw focused on the fact that Edwards said he was “honored” to speak for Holtmeyer, reminding Edwards that she is a convicted murderer.

Edwards responded that he was speaking about her growth.

Shaw asked if Holtmeyer was allowed to date on the Internet. Edwards said she isn’t, that she couldn’t be doing that and it was not possible.

Shaw then showed him documents related to online dating applications for Holtmeyer that included photos of her in civilian clothes.

Edwards stated that he didn’t know from looking at Shaw’s information, if it was even genuine.

The second witness was Devan Cole, a social worker at SCI Muncy.

She testified that she works with Holtmeyer every day and “she does a lot for me.”

Because of this position, Holtmeyer is familiar with problems faced by women going back into private life and then returning to prison. She stated that she believes Holtmeyer is ready to re-enter the outside community.

Shaw asked only a few questions including whether Cole could guarantee that Holtmeyer wouldn’t get into trouble again.

“If she was bullied, would she act out and crush someone’s head with a rock?” he asked.

At this question, Holtmeyer lowered her head.

Cole said there is really no way to know if someone will end up back in prison.

The expert witness was a psychologist and trauma specialist, Deborah Mucha, who has spoken with Holtmeyer several times and reviewed her case.

Mucha explained that Holtmeyer felt unwanted by her young mother and lived with her grandparents. She was sexually abused at a young age and was bullied later because she was overweight and different from the other children in her Catholic school classes.

She felt she was not good enough and unworthy, Mucha said.

When Holtmeyer became involved with her co-defendant, Straw, it was an abusive relationship. And because she suffered from trauma that caused “automatic obedience,” Mucha said, Holtmeyer did whatever people asked her to do.

Mucha went on to say that Holtmeyer thought Straw loved her and she was just looking “for love and acceptance.”

The House of Hope program really helped Holtmeyer, she said, stating that the person who murdered Kimberly Dotts “was gone.”

Mucha testified that Holtmeyer is extremely remorseful and “she (Holtmeyer) can’t believe that it (the murder) happened.”

Holtmeyer went from being a trauma victim to being a trauma survivor, she said.

When Lavelle asked if she was rehabilitated now, Mucha said yes, adding that she can’t see her committing another offense.

Shaw asked Mucha what would stop Holtmeyer from finding “another Aaron Straw” and doing something criminal he wants her to do. Mucha responded that Holtmeyer is not the same person.

When he asked if Holtmeyer is taking responsibility for her actions, Mucha said Holtmeyer doesn’t remember it.

“You are acting like Jessica was the victim in this case,” Shaw noted.

“She was,” Mucha said, explaining there can be more than one victim in a crime.

Shaw suggested that Holtmeyer, who was described as having an IQ of 141, may have outsmarted Mucha because she got Mucha to say Holtmeyer is the victim.

He asked what Holtmeyer is doing now to deal with her remorse. Mucha said she is “trying to live her life by helping others.”

Shaw questioned how remorseful she could be if she can’t remember what she did that day.

Lavelle asked a few follow-up questions including whether Holtmeyer was equating herself with Dotts. Mucha said no but explained Holtmeyer was a victim of things that happened in her own life.

Mucha also said she has the skills to know when she is being manipulated.

Although it was mentioned earlier in the hearing that Holtmeyer would testify herself, she declined to do this and the defense rested.

Howsare said he will review the information including briefs due by Sept. 17 before issuing a written decision. He advised Holtmeyer if she wanted to say something, she should do it now.

Saying I am sorry is not enough, Holtmeyer told the judge.  “I can’t take it back. I can only move forward.”

A date for the re-sentencing in this case will be scheduled later.

CURWENSVILLE – A Clearfield couple has been jailed on felony drug charges for allegedly selling methamphetamine.

Jason L. Merritts, 36, and Joyce L. Merritts, 32, have been charged with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; criminal conspiracy engaging/manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; and criminal use of a communication facility (three counts).

Jason and Joyce Merritts were arraigned Friday with bail being set at $50,000 monetary. Both are scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings Aug. 1 during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Feb. 15, an officer requested a confidential informant to contact Jason Merritts to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine.  The next day, the CI related that he/she had spoken with Joyce Merritts, who thought Jason Merritts had an eight ball, plus a few $20 bags to sell.

The CI sent a text message to Jason Merritts and asked him to hold the eight ball for he/she to purchase later that day. Jason Merritts agreed. The officer also asked the CI to check with Jason Merritts about when he would be getting more methamphetamine, and the CI agreed to find out.

Approximately a half-hour later, the CI related that Jason and Joyce Merritts had booked a hotel room the evening before in order to “relax” at the Super 8 in Clearfield.

At 1:30 p.m., officers and the CI conducted a briefing to prepare for the purchase of an eight ball of methamphetamine from the Merritts. An officer then provided the CI with $400 to complete the drug transaction.

At 2:15 p.m., officers traveled with the CI to the hotel and he/she went inside. At approximately 2:42 p.m., he/she returned and turned over a small Ziploc bag containing methamphetamine, which was allegedly purchased from Joyce Merritts.

While they were traveling to a local police station, the CI related that Jason Merritts was not inside the hotel room and had stepped out. However, Joyce Merritts and the couple’s children were there and she handled the drug transaction.

An officer later field tested the suspected methamphetamine, which yielded a positive result. It was later sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory for further analysis.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an altercation July 25 at a Main Street residence in Cooper Township. However, altercations had taken place within a week’s time and turned physical when a 30-year-old Julian man allegedly grabbed a 38-year-old Winburne woman by the throat and started choking her. State police say she scratched the man and struck him with a metal floor fan pole on a separate occasion. It was also found that the woman had an active Protection from Abuse order against the man. State police transported the couple to county jail.
• State police reported that on July 24, a small gray Sentry safe was discovered along Wooldridge Road in Covington Township. The safe had been opened and its contents were removed. 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 harassment that occurred July 20 at the Jefferson County Jail. During the incident, two people were allegedly involved in an altercation that turned physical.

Lawrence Township

• Police conducted a traffic stop Saturday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. During the investigation, officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine. Police administered a field sobriety test and suspected the 17-year-old male was under the influence. He was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw; laboratory results and charges are currently pending.
• Police received a report about a fight Sunday in the parking lot at Timberland Federal Credit Union. Upon their arrival to the scene, the victim told police he’d been struck in the neck by two people who had fled the scene. He also claimed they had brandished a firearm during the fight. Police later located one of the suspects, and he was taken into custody. He was charged and housed in the Clearfield County Jail. Police say the victim went to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital and was then flown to Altoona.
• Police received a report about a domestic disturbance Sunday on Clarendon Avenue. According to police, the victim had discovered that Shad Daubs was growing marijuana in her basement. When she confronted him, he allegedly assaulted her and threatened to stab her with a knife if she reported him to police. Daubs was arrested on a bench warrant and for terroristic threats. Police obtained a search warrant for the residence, which yielded three large marijuana plants, four small marijuana plants, growing equipment and various items of drug paraphernalia.
• Police received a report about a theft that occurred July 26 at the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School. During the incident, a child’s iPhone X, valued at $1,000, was allegedly stolen while they were practicing for a play. Anyone with information is asked to contact township police.
• Police received a report about a retail theft that occurred May 13 at the Wal-Mart store in Clearfield. During the incident, a 40-year-old DuBois woman selected numerous items and allegedly pushed them out of the store without making an attempt to check out. Police say with the help of a 51-year-old DuBois man, she loaded the items into a vehicle and left the store’s property.
• Police reported on an incident of DUI that occurred Friday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. During a traffic stop, police made contact with a male driver and detected the odor of alcohol. He was administered a field sobriety test and allegedly showed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and to the hospital for a legal blood draw. Laboratory results and charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a video of an incident of theft that occurred July 25 at Martell Glass. In the video, a male was observed taking a radio and some papers. He was questioned and allegedly confessed to committing the crime. Charges will be filed against him as a result.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about an “out of control” patient at the emergency room at Penn Highlands DuBois. During the incident, a male was allegedly threatening staff and throwing things. Upon arrival, police were able to get the male back to his room and they cleared the scene when he didn’t any longer pose a threat to the staff. Disorderly conduct charges are currently pending against the male.
• Police received a report about a neighbor dispute at an East DuBois Avenue residence. The caller told police her neighbor was employed by the landlord to cut grass but he keeps throwing grass from the mower onto her vehicle. Upon speaking with her further, police advised her to address the issue with her landlord.
• Police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred on West Long Avenue. Upon arrival, a male told police that his former employer is harassing him and will not leave him alone. He also said that his former employer threw tools down a flight of stairs when he asked for them. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about a male who was threatening to do self-harm. He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
• Police attempted a traffic stop on a red Chevrolet Colorado in DuBois City. According to police, the driver – identified as Cole Johnson, 22 – refused to stop and a pursuit ensued onto Juniata Street. After a short while, he eventually stopped the vehicle on Juniata Street Extension, and he was apprehended by police. It was determined Johnson had warrants through two different agencies. Sandy Township police assisted with the incident. Johnson was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, and numerous charges will be filed against him.
• Police received a report about a verbal domestic involving a mother and her daughter in the 500 block of Locust Street. Both agreed to separate for the remainder of the night. No further action was required of the DuBois City and Sandy Township police.
• While on routine patrol, police observed Jeremy Pruszko, who held an active warrant through the Pennsylvania State Police. He was a passenger in a white GMC truck, which was stopped by officers. He was then taken into custody and allegedly found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Pruszko was released to state police and city police will file charges.
• Police received a report about an incident of trespassing in the 100 block of West Long Avenue. Upon arrival, police found the male was not there.
• Police received a report about a large group of kids that was causing a disturbance behind a residence in the 300 block of Spring Avenue. Upon arrival, police advised the kids of the complaint, and they agreed to keep the noise level down.
• Police received a report about a juvenile who ran away from their residence in the 500 block of First Street. Police were able to locate the juvenile not too far away and return them home.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred July 20 at the Philipsburg True Value store. During the incident, a 33-year-old man allegedly stole several items while he walked through the aisles. Charges will be filed through the district court.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred between March 1 and May 9 on Pine Top Road in Bradford Township. During the incident, a known adult female allegedly stole a television, phone and a bunch of clothes. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Tuesday at a private residence along the Curwensville-Tyrone Highway in Pike Township. During the incident, a Curwensville couple was engaged in an altercation that turned physical. A 36-year-old man allegedly put both hands around the victim’s neck and began pushing her within the residence. He fled the scene prior to the arrival of state police. State police cited the man for the incident through the district court.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a Protection from Abuse order violation that occurred Monday on Reed Street in Falls Creek Borough. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been jailed after reportedly leading state police on a high-speed pursuit Tuesday afternoon.

Calvin Odell Watts, 45, has been charged by Clearfield-based state police with fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person and 49 related summary traffic violations through the district court.

State police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on state Route 879 in Lawrence Township but say Watts fled. He continued onto Interstate 80 eastbound and traveled at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

State police say Watts fled for 13 miles on I-80 before getting off at the Kylertown exit. There, he traveled through a stop sign onto SR 53 south, at which point troopers successfully terminated the pursuit with “legal intervention.”

Watts attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred between April 30 and May 14 on the Kylertown-Drifting Highway in Kylertown. During the incident, someone allegedly scammed a resident out of $900.
• State police received a report about an incident of simple assault that occurred Monday on Church Street in Morris Township. During the incident, a 48-year-old Morrisdale man, Scott J. Kaiser, and the victim were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical. Kaiser allegedly punched the victim in the face, and state police currently have a warrant for his arrest.
• State police reported on an incident of DUI that occurred Wednesday in the 2300 block of Greenwood Road in Pike Township. A vehicle operated by a 49-year-old Hyde man was stopped for a traffic violation, and he was allegedly found to have been driving under the influence. Charges will be filed through the district court.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about loud music being played in a vehicle at a late hour. Upon arrival, police advised the driver of the complaint.
• Police received a report about an accidental alarm on Power Avenue. It had been activated by an employee.
• Police received a report about an activated smoke alarm on East Eighth Street. The fire department arrived on scene and handled the situation.
• Police located a female for whom there were active warrants on Clearfield Street. She was able to satisfy the warrants at the scene.
• Police responded to several parking issues/complaints.
• Police also handled several minor vehicle collisions in the area.
• Police assisted a resident who had locked themselves out of their home on South Fourth Street. Police were able to assist with gaining entry into the residence.
• Police arrested a male after he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana.
• Police received a report about an altercation involving roommates on North Fourth Street. Police warned them of their actions.
• Police arrested a male after he was found highly intoxicated along North Fourth Street.
• Police assisted with the service of a mental health warrant on a male along Daisy Street. The male was transported to the hospital for treatment.
• Police reported that an 18-year-old female was found highly intoxicated inside the Clearfield County Fairgrounds afterhours. Emergency personnel were summoned to the scene due to her level of intoxication.
• Police reported that a child was located along Nichols Street after wandering away from their parents. Police were able to locate the parents while they were looking for their child.
• Police stopped a male along Spruce Street and learned he had several active warrants through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office. While police attempted to take the male into custody, he reportedly resisted and a struggle ensued. The male was able to be subdued, police say, and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and several items of drug paraphernalia.  Lawrence Township police assisted at the scene.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of theft/forgery that occurred Tuesday on Legion Road. During the incident, the victim’s ex-girlfriend allegedly wrote approximately three checks without having permission. The victim told officers that approximately $825 was removed from his bank account as a result. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of criminal trespass that occurred Monday at the Edgewood Apartments. During the incident, a 22-year-old Clearfield man gained access to an empty apartment without authorization. He was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, use/possession of drug paraphernalia and prohibited offensive weapons through the district court.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been accused of sexually assaulting a young girl.

Richard Lee Howell, 29, has been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with felony counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault person less than 13 years of age and corruption of minors/defendant age 18 or above.

Howell waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. Bail has been set at $50,000 monetary.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim, an 8-year-old girl, was interviewed April 24 at the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County. She said on April 20, Howell picked her up in his white truck and drove to a dirt road.

He pulled off the road, stopped his truck and allegedly forced her to perform a sex act on him. She said afterward, he drove her to McDonald’s and bought her ice cream, telling her it was for what she’d done to him. She also said Howell took her to Wal-Mart, where he bought her a Hatchimal toy.

During the interview, the victim said Howell forced her to touch his private area two other times while she was at his Clearfield residence.

Editor’s Note: This news article contains graphic details and may be upsetting to some GANT News readers.

CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale couple is facing criminal charges after being accused of physically and emotionally torturing their six adopted children for several years.

Timothy D. Krause, 52, and Barbara J. Krause, 50, have been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with six felony counts each of aggravated assault, conspiracy/aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and conspiracy/endangering the welfare of children.

The Krause’s have also been charged with six misdemeanor counts each of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person; two misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats; and six summaries.

Timothy and Barbara Krause waived their rights to preliminary hearings during centralized court Wednesday at the Clearfield County Jail. Their bail has been set at $5,000 unsecured.

The couple’s children currently range in age with the oldest being 16 years old and the youngest being 12 years old. They reported being abused between 2011 and the current-year at their home to the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County and Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

According to court documents filed with Magisterial District Judge James Glass’ office, the Krause’s beat their children with paddles, a walking stick, a board and back scratchers.

Beatings with the paddle were allegedly so severe that the children’s buttocks would bleed, and it could be seen through their underwear.

Beatings with the walking stick would cause knots or lumps to form on their heads. The children’s hands were also beaten with a board until their knuckles would bleed, state police said.

As forms of punishment, the Krause’s allegedly deprived their children of multiple meals for not doing their chores or misbehaving, and the children were forced to sit in an awkward “half-way” position and to do “up-downs” for extended periods.

According to court documents, the six siblings had to share the same bedroom in a three-bedroom home, and two of the children had to sleep on very thin mats on the floor.

The Krause’s had also home-schooled their children for the past few years. In a report, a Geisinger Medical Center doctor wrote that the children were “lacking in academics and are one to two years behind.”

The 15-year-old currently has multiple scars on his chest, abdomen, legs and arms. He said one scar on his chest was from a dog bite, and it wasn’t unusual to be “paddled” 30-40 times on one occurrence. He said his mother also threatened to “slit his throat” with an axe while he was sleeping.

The 14-year-old said anytime his parents would get the stick out, the dogs were trained to “attack” whoever was nearby. He had multiple bite marks and scars on his legs and arms.

He said he was paddled on his right buttocks until an abscess formed, which he had to lance himself. His medical records noted multiple scars on his right buttocks, as well.

The other 14-year-old reported being beaten with a paddle 58 times on one occurrence. He said he was beaten multiple other times and threatened to have his throat slit at night.

He said his parents hit him on his face and nose area, which caused bleeding, and he had a scar on his back from being beaten with a stick.

The 13-year-old said her parents threatened her with a gun and axe, and she was paddled on her bare buttocks until it was black and blue. She also had multiple scars on her arms and legs from dog bites.

The 16-year-old said he was threatened by his mother with the edge of an axe placed on his neck. He said he was also threatened to be shot; on one occurrence, he was paddled 30 times and to the point his buttocks was black and blue and he couldn’t sit down.

The 12-year-old said that his mother threatened to shoot him if he touched the phone after he called police to report the abuse.

He said he was once paddled on the buttocks 49 times, and had bleeding from the punishment. He now has numerous scars on his arms, legs and other areas from dog bites.

In his opinion following an assessment of the children, Dr. Pat J. Bruno, M.D., Geisinger Medical Center, wrote: “With a reasonable degree of medical certainty, the children were physically abused and tortured by their parents.”

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of theft/criminal mischief that occurred sometime Tuesday or Wednesday at Dave’s Laundry in Houtzdale Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly forcibly entered several dispensers and washing machines, causing damage. State police say then, they fled with an unknown amount of coins from the machines. 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 theft that occurred July 29 at a Texas Road address in McCalmont Township. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a mailbox belonging to a Punxsutawney couple.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred July 28 at the Hyde Uni-Mart. During the incident, a 57-year-old Hyde man allegedly stole a cigarette lighter when he checked out at the store. He was observed on surveillance committing the theft, 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.

CLEARFIELD – A Philipsburg man has been accused of sending an obscene picture and video of himself to a teenage girl on social media.

Hunter Thomas Harris, 24, has been charged by Trooper Nicholas Rickerson of the Clearfield-based state police with felony counts of dissemination of explicit sexual material to a minor and unlawful contact with a minor/sexual offense, plus misdemeanor corruption of minors.

Harris waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail has been set at $5,000 monetary.

The charges stem from an incident on May 25 at a Cooper Township residence, where a 15-year-old girl was receiving the obscene messages, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling.

State police interviewed the girl in the presence of a family member. She said she had been contacted by Harris on Facebook messenger, and when she told him she was 16 years old, he replied “ughh lol.” He later asked why she couldn’t be 18 years old.

She said she gave Harris her Snap Chat user name and he began messaging her through that app the same day. She said he asked her to remove her top and she told him “no” and that what he was doing was illegal.

Harris asked her to send some “selfies” to him, and she sent some old pictures of herself from her Facebook account. In return she said he sent a picture of himself while laying on a pillow, of his bare chest and of his private area.

Harris also allegedly sent the girl an obscene video of himself. She advised a family member of the situation, and they warned Harris to leave the girl alone. Harris replied that he would delete the girl from his Snap Chat and refrain from future contact with her.

The family member told state police that she had observed all the messages between Harris and the girl on both Facebook messenger and Snap Chat.

State police also observed the messages while conducting the investigation at the scene. The girl sent the trooper copies of all the exchanged messages, pictures and video.

On June 3, state police interviewed Harris and he allegedly confessed to sending the girl a picture of his private area. He said he may have sent an obscene video to her, as well.