DUBOIS – A Rockton man accused of breaking into cars, a mobile home and a garage waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday during centralized court in DuBois.

Blaise Andrew Ellinger, 19, was charged with two counts of burglary, two felony counts of criminal trespass and misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, theft from a motor vehicle and loitering/prowling at night time by state police after he was found inside a trailer in Union Township.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Jan. 11 police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the area of Bottom Road.

The complainants said they saw a Caucasian man wearing black clothing looking in the windows of homes and cars in the area. They reported this man entered a nearby trailer but he did not come out.

After the owner granted permission, the trooper entered the residence where he found Ellinger, who matched the description given by witnesses.

A search of his person uncovered Cadillac car keys, a bottle of cologne and a blue container of razor blades.

When he was interviewed at the police station, Ellinger allegedly admitted to stealing the keys and cologne from a car that was parked near a residence on Bottom Road.

He also admitted to taking the razor blades from a single-car garage in the area, according to the report.

Ellinger remains incarcerated on $10,000 bail.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct that occurred Jan. 16 at Lawrence Park Village. According to police, a 52-year-old Hyde male was irate at the bus stop. He was allegedly yelling at a female juvenile and the bus driver, creating a physically offensive condition. Police cited the male for the incident.

Sandy Township

• Police received a report about a scam phone call Friday. According to police, a caller contacted a local resident claiming to be a police officer. The caller asked her to provide bank account information to bail her son out of jail. Police would like to warn residents that this is a fraudulent call and not to provide personal information over the phone.
• On Sunday police received a report about an overnight vehicle break-in on South Brady Street. During the incident, someone allegedly broke into a resident’s vehicle and took his wallet.
• On Sunday police received a report about an unknown male on a Quarry Avenue resident’s porch yelling and attempting to kick in the door. Upon arrival, police located a male lying in the street, and he was taken into custody without incident.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman accused of having drugs in her home was sentenced to state prison Monday during colloquy court.

Erika Lyn Haverly, 39, pleaded guilty before Judge Paul E. Cherry to a felony count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cherry sentenced her to nine months to 24 months in state prison.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police obtained a search warrant for Haverly’s Clearfield Street address after receiving information from an individual who said there was methamphetamine, marijuana and a stolen firearm at the home.

On Aug. 10 when police knocked on the door, they could see someone run toward the back of the residence. Haverly opened the door and was advised of the search warrant.

Another individual, Scott Ryan Moore, came out of the kitchen area. Haverly advised the officers that her boyfriend was upstairs as was her young daughter who was sleeping.

When they went upstairs, they saw Dylan Shane Martell coming out of the attic. He and the others were all placed in handcuffs for safety reasons.

Police who had secured the back of the residence said Moore came running out, but when they told him to stop, he quickly went back in the home.

In the master bedroom, officers found marijuana, pills and a used syringe.

When the attic was searched, they found a small area where it appeared individuals used drugs.

Here they located a mirror with suspected methamphetamine residue, a scale, smoking pipes, drug paraphernalia, a large methamphetamine rock and small baggies of methamphetamine. Under the floor boards was a pistol.

In an interview with police, Haverly admitted she was a drug user but would not confirm all of the items belonged to her. She noted that she keeps her “stuff” away from her daughter.

In December, Martell, 25, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced by Cherry to one to three years in state prison.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman accused of being part of a large drug ring was scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday during plea and sentencing court.

Joyce Lee Merritts, 32, and her husband, Jason were reportedly selling methamphetamine from their apartment from September of 2017 through July of 2018, according to information provided in grand jury testimony.

A search of their home in July uncovered drugs, paraphernalia, a handgun and a cell phone.

During a recent press conference, Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated that the Merritts sold meth in their residence while the two children were home “where children should be safe.”

On Tuesday Joyce Merritts pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of communication facility and endangering the welfare of children before Judge Paul Cherry.

At the request of a representative of the Attorney General’s office, Cherry sent Merritts to state prison to be evaluated for entry into the intermediate punishment program.

Jason Merritts is scheduled to be sentenced in February.

According to court documents, the source of the methamphetamine sold by the couple was Sondra McQuillen and her fiancé, Donald Mullens, who were bringing up to one pound of meth twice a week to Clearfield County from a contact in Akron, Ohio.

Mullens was allegedly spending $10,000 for one pound of methamphetamine once or twice a week in April of 2018.

After Mullens died from a drug overdose on May 22, McQuillen continued traveling to Ohio where she allegedly obtained at least four ounces of the drug each time.

Her source was listed as James Thomas, 49, of Akron, Ohio. He is also facing drug charges on a federal level, Shapiro reported at the press conference.

Although there is a case against Thomas filed with a local magistrate, the case is listed as inactive in online court documents.

The case against McQuillen is still pending.

BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – A Jefferson County man was arrested on Tuesday as part of an undercover sex trafficking sting in Brookville Borough.

According to court documents, the Brookville Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 50-year-old Edwin J. Botwright of Brockway in Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

The charges stem from an investigation into human trafficking in and about Brookville Borough, Jefferson County.

According to a criminal complaint, on Saturday, Jan. 19, Officer Turnbull of the Brookville Borough Police Department placed an ad onto a known Web site using a fake email address and photos of known images altered from open source media.

The ad was posted under female escorts and expressed that it had underage females for escorts and listed numerous sexual positions as options for the girls to perform.

On Monday, Jan. 21, Officer Turnbull received a text message from an individual saying “Hello.” Officer Turnbull replied at 6:42 a.m. reporting the service was not on during the time they contacted due to the weather, and the individual sent another message saying “Hello” at 8:50 a.m. Officer Turnbull responded to the second message with a prewritten “statement of costs.”

The complaint notes that during the same time the individual who sent the messages also attempted to call several times.

According to the complaint, the individual then sent another message asking if (the service) would “take 50 for a qv” (Quick Visit). The individual then requested to call.

At 12:21 p.m., Officer Turnbull had Officer Gray speak to the individual by phone. The individual then asked for pictures of the girls, and Officer Turnbull sent four pictures. The individual responded that (he) wanted the last girl pictured, who is presumed to be 21 years of age. Officer Turnbull stated she was taken for two hours.

The individual then asked who is available, and Officer Turnbull said a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old. The individual asked for full body pictures, and Officer Turnbull sent a photo. The individual complained the photo was too dark, and Officer Turnbull sent a second photo.

According to the complaint, the individual then responded with “50 right” and asked for a call from the girl. Officer Turnbull stated it was 50 for the hour, plus the extra fees he had sent and informed the individual that she was the girl he’d been talking to “because guy voices scare clients.”

The individual then asked “50 for sex” again. Officer Turnbull replied it was 50 to meet and 30 for sex on top. The individual then stated he only had 50 and wanted 15 minutes. Officer Turnbull said they would take 50 then, and he would call him back after lunch.

At 1:34 p.m., Officer Gray spoke with the individual about meeting, and he asked if she was 15 years old, to which Officer Gray replied “Yep.” The individual then asked for more photos, but Officer Gray refused, and the individual said he would call back, according to the complaint.

The same individual called back at 1:40 p.m. and spoke to Officer Turnbull, the complaint states.

The complaint notes that during the conversation, Officer Turnbull heard the dinging of a car and the sounds of a vehicle driving. The individual said that he was on his way.

The individual expressed concern that about possibly being caught in a police operation, and he wanted to meet just the girl before having sex.

Officer Turnbull informed him the girl was going to be the only one meeting him at the hotel, and the individual asked to meet her outside of the room, according to the complaint.

Officer Turnbull told the individual to drive to the back of the lot, and the girl would come outside and meet him. The individual asked about after meeting the girl if he would have to check in, and Officer Turnbull informed him he would not and would be able to go straight to the room.

The individual agreed to the place and said he was driving a green 2015 Chevrolet pick-up truck. The individual again noted he was nervous “it was a police sting,” the complaint indicates.

According to the complaint, at 2:07 p.m., Officer Turnbull observed a green Chevrolet pick-up truck pull into the agreed meeting location and informed Chief Markle and Officer Stormer. The male driver was taken out at high-risk stop style, secured and placed on the bumper of the car while being read his rights.

The individual, identified as Botwright, initially reported it was his friend who talked, and he had no idea what was going on. Officer Turnbull informed Botwright they had his phone, and Botwright said it was his friend’s phone, according to the complaint.

Botwright then allegedly admitted he came to the location with the intent to meet and have sex with a girl, the complaint states.

The complaint notes that Botwright had on his person the agreed upon $50.

He was transported to the station and interviewed a second time, “during which he again denied and minimized his actions, before admitting he had gone to the location with the intention of paying for sex with a 15-year-old girl,” according to the complaint.

Botwright was arraigned at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, in front of Judge Mizerock on the following charges:

• Trafficking in Minors, Felony 1
• Criminal Solicitation – Trafficking in Minors, Felony 1
• Unlawful Contact With Minor – Sexual Offenses, Felony 1
• Criminal Solicitation – Unlawful Contact With Minor -Sexual Offenses, Felony 1
• Criminal Attempt – Unlawful Contact With Minor -Sexual Offenses, Felony 1
• Corruption Of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 3
• Criminal Use Of Communication Facility, Felony 3

Unable to post $50,000, he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, with Magisterial District Judge Gregory M, Bazylak presiding.

Read more: http://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/.

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported on an alcohol-related crash that occurred Tuesday in the area of Trolley Street and Valley Road in Cooper Township. Troopers were on routine patrol and saw a vehicle in the ditch; the driver – a 29-year-old Winburne woman – was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and in possession of marijuana and related paraphernalia. Charges will be filed through the district court.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police responded to an alcohol-related crash that occurred Tuesday on Route 536/Saint John Road in Perry Township. Upon arrival on-scene, troopers saw a white Volkswagen sports utility vehicle that had struck the guiderail, traveling off the roadway and over an embankment. State police say the driver wasn’t at the scene, but a witness arrived shortly after the troopers began their investigation. The witness provided information on the driver’s location and troopers proceeded there. Troopers subsequently placed a 33-year-old Punxsutawney man under arrest for suspected DUI and he was taken for a legal blood draw. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Jan. 11 on West Main Street in Ridgway Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed one bottle of Clonazepam and one bottle of Gabapentin from the victim’s residence. State police are continuing their investigation at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call 814-776-6136.

Lawrence Township

• Police conducted a traffic stop Wednesday on state Route 879. Upon further investigation, it was found two people were allegedly underage and under the influence of alcohol. Both were cited for underage consumption.
• Police reported on a drug-related DUI that occurred Tuesday on Washington Avenue. Upon further investigation, it was found the driver – a 30-year-old Curwensville man – was allegedly under the influence of controlled substances and in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. He was transported to the hospital for a legal blood draw and later released to a sober person. Charges are to be filed through the district court.
• Police received a report about an alleged assault that occurred Tuesday at the Edgewood Apartments. According to police, it was over the custody of a child, and the victim suffered injuries. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about the theft of leased property Tuesday at Rent A Center. During the incident, a customer allegedly failed to make payments on a refrigerator since November. Charges are currently pending at this time.

(Photo by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media)

CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Damien Ditz was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison by Clarion County Judge James Arner on Wednesday for the murder of his girlfriend, Katrina Seaburn, on March 1, 2017.

Ditz, 23, was found guilty of third-degree murder following a week-long trial at the Clarion County Courthouse that concluded on Dec. 7, 2018.

The verdict was handed down by a jury of seven women and five men after nearly three hours and 45 minutes of deliberations.

The jury also found Ditz guilty of two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault and one count of recklessly endangering another person.

One aggravated assault and one of the simple assault convictions came with “use of a deadly weapon.” He was found not guilty of first-degree murder.

Ditz fatally shot 22-year-old Clarion University student Katrina Renee Seaburn, of Curwensville in her car, near a trailer park in the area of Lake Lucy, Washington Township, Clarion County, Pa., on March 1, 2017. Ditz was driving Seaburn’s car at the time of the incident.

The two, according to statements given to state police by Ditz, were having an argument over $130 that Ditz lent a friend, DaShon Smerker, who he considered a cousin.

Ditz originally told police the night of the murder that the gun, a 45-caliber Glock, had fallen off the dashboard of the car, where it had been sitting since the night before, hit the console and gone off killing Seaburn.

Later the same night, he changed his story and said the gun fell off the dashboard, he grabbed the gun and then it went off killing Seaburn.

But, in June of 2017, during questioning at the Ridgway-based state police barracks, Ditz again changed his story and said the gun fell off the dashboard, he placed it next to the console and then during the argument over the $130, he picked up the gun to place it in the backseat and was waving it in the air, and it went off killing Seaburn.

Adam Bishop, Ditz’s attorney, painted the shooting as accidental and pushed for an involuntary manslaughter charge, while Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron was looking for a first-degree murder conviction.

RELATED:

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An Emotional Roller Coaster: Mother of Murder Victim Shares Her Story

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UPDATE: Clarion Man Admits to Fatally Shooting Woman After Losing Temper

Clarion Man Charged with Homicide in Fatal Shooting

READ MORE … http://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/

(Photo of Damien Ditz by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media.)

CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Saying he understood that there could be “no satisfactory outcome,” Clarion County Judge James Arner sentenced Damien Ditz to 10 to 20 years in state prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Katrina Seaburn on March 1, 2017.

Arner also sentenced Ditz, who was convicted of third-degree murder by a jury of seven women and five men on Dec. 7, 2018, to one to two years in state prison on his conviction of aggravated assault causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon.

That sentence is to run concurrently with the murder conviction. The judge merged another charge of aggravated assault, two charges of simple assault and a charge of reckless endangerment into the murder three sentencing.

In addition, Arner order Ditz to pay a total of $12,716.01 in restitution including $5,232.26 to Tammy Seaburn, the mother of Katrina Seaburn, $630 to Thomas Seaburn, the father of Katrina Seaburn, and $6,853.75 to the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Program.

Arner ordered Ditz to have no contact with Tammy Seaburn and to pay the cost of prosecution. Ditz must submit a DNA sample and submit to mental health, drug and alcohol evaluations.

The judge also ordered Ditz to be transferred to the state prison system facility in Greene County, Pa., from which he will be assigned to a state prison. Arner said he considered keeping Ditz in the Clarion County Jail but decided that wasn’t proper.

Prior to handing out the sentence, Arner explained his reasoning behind the sentencing, which could have gone to a maximum of 40 years and a minimum of five years on the murder three charge.

According to Arner, who said similar cases like this one have shown sentences between six and 20 years, while he was concerned that Ditz lied to police originally about what happened on the night of Seaburn’s death, he didn’t believe Ditz posed a significant risk to the public.

“Damien Ditz does not pose a risk of harm to the public,” Arner said. “This all arose from one incident and involved one victim.”

Arner did say he believed Ditz should be punished for the gravity of the offense and that the shooting impacted many people.

“This affected the family and friends of both parties,” Arner said. “But, there is no discernible evidence that it affected the community (outside of people’s feelings).”

The judge also noted that he hoped Ditz would be able to live a “useful” life after he is released.

“Hopefully, in time, he can use his experience to help others avoid similar ones,” Arner said.

In handing out his sentence, Arner noted that Ditz was remorseful about the killing and tried to render aid to Seaburn after she was shot while also calling 9-1-1.

Ditz’s attorney, Adam Bishop, had asked the judge to sentence Ditz to six to 12 years in prison.

“Overall, it’s a tragic situation all-around,” Bishop said. “We are satisfied with the sentence. Damien is, obviously, very remorseful.”

Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron had asked Arner to impose the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison to Ditz.

“Her mother and I asked the court to impose a significantly higher sentence than that, 20 to 40 years,” Aaron said. “I do understand there are mitigating circumstances. I would just say we were hoping for more.”

Prior to Arner making his determination, he heard from both Damien Ditz’s father, Fred Ditz, and Tammy Seaburn. Damien Ditz also made a statement.

A broken-up Fred Ditz asked Arner to “please have mercy for me.”

“I am so sorry,” Fred Ditz said. “My heart goes out to everyone. My boy is a good boy. He was no trouble growing up.”

Damien Ditz, who was dressed in an orange jumpsuit shackled at both his hands and feet, turned to a gathering of approximately 50 family members and friends of Katrina and made the following statement:

“I loved Katrina. I did not murder her. If she said jump, I said ‘how high.’ I was not an abusive monster.”

In addressing the judge, Tammy Seaburn said her life will never be the same.

“Damien took Katrina from us,” said Tammy Seaburn, who called her daughter a gift from God. “He has sentenced us to pain, heartache, loneliness. He deserves the same. My daughter is dead. My only child. It’s unbearable pain, literally heartbroken. It’s here to stay.”

While recounting her daughter’s life, Tammy Seaburn looked right at Damien Ditz and said, “You murdered Katrina. You took a 45-caliber Glock handgun that you knew was loaded with hollow-points and pointed it at her and pulled the trigger.”

Ditz fatally shot Seaburn, a Clarion University student from Curwensville, in her car, near a trailer park in the area of Lake Lucy, Washington Township, Clarion County, Pa., on March 1, 2017. Ditz was driving Seaburn’s car at the time of the incident.

The two, according to statements given to state police by Ditz, were having an argument over $130 that Ditz lent a friend, DaShon Smerker, who he considered a cousin, when the gun, a 45-caliber Glock, fell off the dashboard of the car, where it had been sitting since the night before, hit the console and went off killing Seaburn.

Later the same night, he changed his story and said the gun fell off the dashboard, he grabbed the gun and then it went off killing Seaburn.

But, in June of 2017, during questioning at the Ridgway-based state police barracks, Ditz again changed his story and said the gun fell off the dashboard, he placed it next to the console, and then during the argument over the $130, he picked up the gun to place it in the backseat and was waving it in the air and it went off killing Seaburn.

During the trial, Bishop painted the shooting as accidental and pushed for an involuntary manslaughter charge, while Aaron was looking for a first-degree murder conviction.

Bishop said he isn’t sure if Ditz will appeal the conviction or Arner’s sentence yet.

“That is something we are considering,” Bishop said. “But I have to talk it over with Damien.”

RELATED:

Damien Ditz Sentenced Up to 20 Years in Prison for Murder of Girlfriend

Convicted Murderer Damien Ditz to Be Sentenced Today at Clarion County Courthouse

Damien Ditz Could Face Up to 40 Years in Prison When Sentenced on Wednesday

Damien Ditz to Be Sentenced This Month for Murder of Girlfriend

District Attorney Says Ditz Murder Trial Shows County Takes Domestic Violence Seriously

Ditz Could Face Up to 40 Years in State Prison After Murder Conviction

Damien Ditz Found Guilty of Third-Degree Murder

Ditz Murder Trial in Hands of Jury Following Closing Arguments

Ditz Testifies in Own Defense; Closing Arguments to Be Heard on Friday in Murder Trial

Jury Hears Conflicting Statements in Damien Ditz Murder Trial

First Day of Ditz Murder Trial Cut Short After Defendant Has ‘Medical Emergency’

Opening Arguments Given in Ditz Trial; Disagreement Over Intention

Jury Picked in Damien Ditz Murder Trial

Jury Selection Underway in Damien Ditz Homicide Trial

An Emotional Roller Coaster: Mother of Murder Victim Shares Her Story

Attorney for Clarion Man Accused of Murder Works to Suppress Statements to Police

Clarion Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend Headed to Court

UPDATE: Clarion Man Admits to Fatally Shooting Woman After Losing Temper

Clarion Man Charged with Homicide in Fatal Shooting

Read more … http://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an assault that occurred Tuesday on Village Drive in Woodward Township. During the incident, a 20-year-old Morrisdale man allegedly physically assaulted the victim, a pregnant 18-year-old woman. Charges were filed through the district court and he was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Pat Ford. Th man was released on $5,000 unsecured bail pending his preliminary hearing.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Tuesday on the Chestnut Grove Highway in Bloom Township. During a domestic, a couple engaged in a verbal altercation regarding personal issue that allegedly turned physical in nature. Charges are currently pending against the couple through the district court.

State police at Ridgway

• State police investigated a fire that occurred at 4 p.m. Tuesday at a hunting camp, located along Rock Springs and Ryan roads, in Bell Township. According to the PSP fire marshal, the fire was reported by a passing motorist; the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. Damage has been estimated at $10,000 and the owner had insurance. No one was at home, and no injuries were reported.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been charged after police found bags of drugs and associated paraphernalia hidden in an oven.

Bryan Scott Oswalt, 34, has been charged by Officer Kyle Bish of the Lawrence Township police with one felony count of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and one misdemeanor count each of intentional possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

According to the affidavit of probable cause, at approximately 11:37 a.m. Jan. 15, police were dispatched to a reported verbal disturbance between staff and an unidentified male at the Super 8 Motel. On-scene, police identified the male as Oswalt and learned he’d become argumentative after being asked to leave.

Oswalt told police he checked in at 1 a.m. and paid for a room for one evening; later in the morning, he was asked to leave. Motel staff said Oswalt was irate and became increasingly aggressive, which made them uncomfortable.

Oswalt, along with the two people with him, was eventually picked up and left in a Chevrolet sedan. A short time later at 12:03 p.m., police were called back to the motel, where cleaning staff had found a handgun in Oswalt’s room.

Before officers’ arrival, Oswalt returned to retrieve the firearm and presented a conceal carry permit to the front desk staff. The staff gave the handgun back to Oswalt and he left.

Oswalt wasn’t supposed to be at the motel and an attempt was made to locate the vehicle he was in, in order to speak with him about the firearm, police said.

At approximately 12:39 p.m., police located the vehicle at the Edgewood Apartment Complex. When they looked through the driver’s side window, a glass jar containing a small amount of suspected marijuana was observed on the seat.

When police made contact with Oswalt at the door, there was an odor of burnt marijuana; he was also agitated and argumentative.  Police requested to see his conceal carry permit and the handgun to confirm both were legal.

Oswalt told officers he had the firearm in a backpack inside and he “stashed” it in the oven prior to their arrival. Police were given consent to go inside to retrieve it; once inside, several occupants were asked to remain in the living area until the firearm was recovered for safety purposes.

Police went to the oven and found a backpack and two smaller bags. The tenant – when asked – said the bags belonged to Oswalt and she wanted them removed from her residence. Witnesses told police that Oswalt had drugs and paraphernalia in the bags he had hidden in the oven.

When officers attempted to locate the handgun, they allegedly discovered three pipes containing burnt residue of marijuana; a metal container of eight, individually bagged amounts of methamphetamine; a 9mm pistol; and one notebook with a ledger of drug sales.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Thursday at Wal-Mart in Fox Township. During the incident, a known juvenile female allegedly stole approximately $690.13 wort of merchandise. Charges were filed through juvenile court.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about a driver who had refused to leave DuBois Logistics on Wednesday. According to police, security officers learned the driver was scheduled to make a delivery the next day. However, it was the driver’s belief he was there on the scheduled delivery day. Police reviewed the driver’s paperwork, which was dated Wednesday; then they spoke with his dispatcher/company. A short-time later, the company notified the driver that he needed to leave because the delivery was not for that day. Police spoke to the delivery driver who promptly left.
• Police responded to a reported motor vehicle crash Wednesday in a parking lot along the 100 block of West Long Avenue. According to police, a gray Kia Sorento slid in the icy lot and into a parked white Hyundai. The driver left her information and police also notified the owner of the crash.
• Police received a report about a theft on Wednesday. During the incident, two known people allegedly used the victim’s debit card for purchases without his permission. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Wednesday in the Giant Eagle parking lot. Upon arrival on-scene, the drivers exchanged their information.

CLEARFIELD – A 37-year-old Clearfield woman, Jessica Jo Sabol, is facing felony charges (five counts) for endangering the welfare of children, Lawrence Township police say.

According to the police report, a warrant service was being conducted at the Lawrence Park Village on Friday. Sabol was allegedly found to be providing “deplorable” living conditions for five children.

Police subsequently contacted Clearfield County’s Children, Youth and Family Services Department.

Online court documents show that charges were filed through the office of Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris. Sabol is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Saturday on Graham Station Road in Decatur Township. According to state police, a 41-year-old Philipsburg man engaged in a physical altercation with his brother, a 37-year-old West Decatur man. In addition, state police say a 19-year-old Philipsburg man engaged in a physical altercation with a 15-year-old male juvenile. Charges will be filed through the district court.
• State police received a report about a burglary that occurred Jan. 1 on Hale Road in Woodward Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed items from the victim’s detached garage, which consisted of numerous Snap-On and Craftsman tools. However, state police say there wasn’t any forcible entry to the garage and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact 814-857-3800.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about a burglary that occurred Thursday on East Railroad Street in Mahaffey Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a Springfield MA XD40 handgun, which was black in color with a stainless-steel magazine and Springfield holster, from the victims’ residence. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-938-0510.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about contraband Saturday at the Clearfield County Jail. During a search of a new inmate, a small bag containing a white crystalized substance allegedly fell from his person onto the ground. It was collected by jail staff and turned over to police; charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police reported on a drug-related DUI that occurred Sunday on Wrigley Street. During a traffic stop, a female passenger identified herself as “April Williams,” but further investigation revealed she was Victoria Williams, 23, of Clearfield for whom there were multiple warrants. The driver – an 18-year-old Clearfield woman – was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Police say she was also under the influence of a controlled substance; she and a 15-year-old juvenile were released to a responsible person. Williams was taken to county jail and housed on the warrants. Charges are currently pending in the incident.
• On Friday police received a report about a possible stolen or missing firearm from a Knepp Road residence. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.

DuBois City

• On Friday police received a report about an activated alarm in the 100 block of Fuller Avenue. Upon arrival, police found it was a false alarm.
• Police received a report about a dispute Friday in the 700 block of West Washington Avenue. Upon further investigation, police learned a couple was arguing over keys and a cell phone. Both were cited for disorderly conduct.
• Police received a report about a hit-and-run crash Friday in the area of East DuBois and Orient avenues. According to police, a blue Hyundai struck a red Jeep, then the driver attempted to flee the scene. With the assistance of witnesses, police located the suspect vehicle and its male driver. He was allegedly found in possession of illegal narcotics and paraphernalia. He was subsequently placed under arrest with charges pending. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• Police received a report about a dispute Friday in the middle of the intersection of South Franklin Street and West Washington Avenue. Upon arrival, police learned it was only verbal in nature.
• On Friday police received a report about an activated alarm in the 100 block of Fuller Avenue. Upon arrival, police found it was a false alarm.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Saturday while conducting routine patrols. Upon investigation, police found the male driver’s license was suspended, and that he was allegedly in possession of illegal narcotics and paraphernalia. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Saturday along West Long Avenue after a vehicle was observed crossing over into the opposing lane of traffic. Upon investigation, the driver was found to allegedly be under the influence of an intoxicating beverage. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Saturday along West Long Avenue. Upon investigation, it was found the male driver and passenger were allegedly in possession of illegal narcotics. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• On Sunday police observed a motorist commit several traffic violations in DuBois City. During a traffic stop, the female driver allegedly showed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Police say she was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Charges are currently pending.
• On Sunday police stopped a vehicle after observing traffic violations in DuBois City. Upon investigation, the driver reportedly showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol, and he was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police responded to a two-vehicle crash Sunday at the intersection of East DuBois Avenue and Division Street. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• On Sunday police stopped a vehicle after observing traffic violations. While speaking with the driver, it was found he was having a medical issue. Police subsequently summoned emergency personnel to the scene to provide medical treatment.
• Police stopped a vehicle after observing traffic violations Sunday in DuBois City. While speaking with the driver, it was determined that he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw, which he refused. He was subsequently released from the emergency room to his wife. Charges have been filed against the male for the incident.

Johnathan Blair Maines (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – The trial got under way Monday in Clearfield County Court for the Madera man who has been accused in the fatal stabbing of Joshua A. Sahm of Blandburg in March of 2018.

Johnathan Blair Maines, 20, has been charged by Trooper Scott A. Sankey of the Clearfield-based state police with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the commonwealth. The defendant is being represented by defense attorney Josh Maines with whom he has no family relation. Judge Paul E. Cherry is presiding over the trial.

In his opening statements, Shaw said he planned to ask jurors to convict Johnathan Maines of first-degree murder following his presentation of witness testimony and evidence.

However, the defendant’s attorney, Josh Maines, argued the commonwealth’s witnesses were “druggies” and the jurors would have to find their testimony credible in order to return a guilty verdict.

“Listen and listen closely. You’ll hear the inconsistencies in their stories, and you’ll even hear just plain lies,” he said. “You’ll have to ask, ‘can you find their witnesses credible, can you find them truthful.’”

The commonwealth’s first witness was Ashley Storm, the defendant’s former girlfriend. She resided with him and three others – Rick Weatherholtz, Keith Pinter and Jesse Breeden – at a “drug house” on Main Street in Madera.

On the night of March 19, she said she and Johnathan Maines met Sahm to buy meth, and they brought him back with them. She said all six of them partied doing drugs – namely meth and marijuana – in her bedroom throughout the night and into the daytime hours.

Later March 20, she said a long-time family friend came and left shortly before 12:50 p.m. with Weatherholtz and Breeden to go gather up scrap metal to take to Natalie’s Auto Salvage to get some money.

She was in her bedroom with Johnathan Maines and Sahm, who fell asleep in a chair. She left and went to the bathroom, and the defendant went along with her to see what she was doing, then he went back to her bedroom.

Storm said he seemed “agitated” to her and it was likely because she had been flirtatious with Sahm in front of him.

Moments later she heard “so, you’re going to kill me, huh,” and this statement was followed by an “awful, painful ugh.” When she left the bathroom, she saw Sahm coming from her bedroom, and he had a knife in his back near his shoulder; he was covered in blood and still bleeding.

She said Johnathan Maines ran out pushing her down the hall, saying “go, go … baby, we gotta go.” She said they went down the back stairway to the kitchen, she asked what happened and he replied that he didn’t know.

According to Storm, they met Pinter and ran out to the garage. She said Pinter asked Johnathan Maines what happened and she stated, “I’d like to know the same thing.”

Johnathan Maines, however, didn’t answer and Storm asked for a cell phone, so that she could call 911 and police to get medical assistance for Sahm. Neither Pinter nor the defendant gave her a phone.

She said Pinter wanted to leave because there were warrants out for him. And, Johnathan Maines planned to leave, and both asked her not to tell police they had been present.

When she and Johnathan Maines re-entered the residence, she saw a lot of blood in the upstairs hallway. Storm said they looked down the front stairway and saw Sahm lying at the bottom in a pool of blood.

Johnathan Maines asked her if Sahm was dead and she told him she thought so. She said the defendant washed his hands, changed his clothes and then hid the clothes he had been wearing.

She said she asked the defendant if it was her knife in Sahm, and he told her “actually there were two knives.” She asked what he meant by that, and he replied he didn’t know.

Storm said Johnathan Maines ran out and she didn’t know where he went. Because she had been unable to find a phone downstairs, she went back upstairs and there was blood spattered throughout her bedroom.

She said Sahm’s phone lit up in a pool of blood and she initially tired to call Weatherholtz to tell him what happened. She said there must have been a lock on his phone, and so she made an emergency call to 911.

She said while speaking to the dispatcher, she took Sahm’s cash and bag containing his drugs and hid them in a cabinet. She said she planned to give them back to Sahm once he was out of the hospital.

Under cross-examination, Storm admitted that she did tell state police investigators multiple stories, and they had to really press her for two to three hours to get her to implicate Johnathan Maines.

Faye Willey, an emergency medical technician with Madera Ambulance, said on-scene Sahm was found lying in a pool of blood; however, he was still breathing and had a pulse.

He had a knife blade stuck in his back below his shoulder on the left side, and he was secured to the backboard on his side to prevent having the blade move or further penetrate Sahm.

Approximately 10 minutes into his transport to UPMC Altoona, Willey said that Sahm died and efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Blair County Deputy Coroner Roger Oswald said he was dispatched to the hospital to investigate the cause and manner of Sahm’s death.

He said during an autopsy, a six-inch knife blade was removed from Sahm’s body and it was turned over to state police. He determined Sahm died from being stabbed, and ruled his death a homicide.

David Vanish, formerly of Madera, testified that a “young guy,” who identified himself as Johnathan Maines, knocked on the door to his Blackburn Road residence around 8:30 p.m. March 20.

He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans but didn’t have any socks or shoes on; he looked about “frozen to death.” He said the defendant asked him to come in to get warm, and he agreed under the condition he could have his pistol on him.

Vanish said he asked Johnathan Maines if he was involved in “that stabbing downtown” and he told him “no, no,” adding he could call anyone to have him checked out.

He said he gave Johnathan Maines some water and soda, and then arrangements were made to drop him off at the bank parking lot downtown, where they were meeting his sister.

Vanish said it appeared the defendant was high on drugs and had been out in the woods because he was scratched up. He said Johnathan Maines was never a threat to him, but that he also had his pistol on him the entire time.

The trial will resume at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Courtroom No. 2 at the Clearfield County Courthouse. It’s been scheduled to run through Friday.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about suspicious vehicles in the area of West Second Avenue. Upon arrival, police located one vehicle traveling on East Market Street. When officers approached the vehicle, it was discovered that the passenger had fled on foot. Police say the passenger is wanted on several active warrants and a search of the area had negative results.
• Police received a report about someone who had entered a vacant apartment through a window on East Cherry Street. Police made contact with the occupant and found he had recently moved in but had locked himself out.
• Police arrested a male who was wanted by the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office. He was subsequently transported to the jail.
• Police were dispatched to a minor collision involving a parked vehicle on Turnpike Avenue. However, police were cancelled while en route, as the owner was located and those involved had exchanged information.
• Police responded to a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of West Front and East Cherry streets. No injuries were reported as a result, and one vehicle was towed from the scene.
• Police received a report about a damaged tire on Nichols Street. However, police were unable to locate any signs of damage.
• Police were dispatched to assist emergency personnel with gaining entry into a residence along South Fourth Street. Upon arrival, police were able to get inside and also assist with loading the patient into the ambulance.
• Police reported that a male was arrested for suspicion of DUI after he was stopped along Daisy Street for a traffic violation.
• Police received a report about loud music on Nichols Street. Upon arrival, police advised the person of the complaint.
• Police are reminding residents to clear any snow/ice off their vehicles prior to traveling on highways. According to police, failure to do so could result in crashes and citations. Also, Clearfield Borough has an ordinance that requires any vehicles, parked along the roadways, to be moved every 48 hours. Parking tickets will be issued for this violation.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness/disorderly conduct Sunday at the Red Roof Inn. According to police, a 24-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., man was walking around the motel office and restaurant in a “visibly intoxicated state.” He was allegedly bothering staff and creating a scene. Police took the male into custody and put him in county jail. He will be cited for the incident.
• Police have filed charges against Jesse D. Pellow, 37, of Clearfield after he led officers on a pursuit Monday. According to police, at approximately 1:40 p.m., officers attempted a traffic stop on Pellow’s vehicle, which had an expired registration, on Route 879. However, he failed to stop and entered Interstate 80 westbound; he continued to fail to stop with marked police units behind and beside his vehicle for about 10 miles. He was finally stopped at the Rockton exit, and he was taken into custody. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris and is awaiting a preliminary hearing. Police were assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police of Clearfield and DuBois.

Sandy Township

• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Jan. 21 at the intersection of Treasure Lake and Samana Cay roads. According to the report, police learned a vehicle traveled into a ditch. There weren’t any injuries reported as a result. Police say the driver failed field sobriety tests and was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a motor vehicle crash Jan. 21 on Rockton Road. According to police, an 18-year-old Rockton man lost control of his vehicle, causing it to cross into the oncoming lane, travel up an embankment and overturn. No injuries were reported and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
• On Jan. 21, police received a report from a 47-year-old Falls Creek man who stated that the rear tire on his wife’s vehicle was cut while it was parked at Nelson’s Golden Years. Police don’t have any suspects at this time.
• Police responded to several motor vehicle crashes on Jan. 22
• Police reported a false alarm occurred at Joann Fabrics on Jan. 23.
• Police received a report about a possible road rage incident Jan. 23 in the parking lot of Station 101. However, both parties were gone upon police arrival on-scene.
• On Jan. 24, police received a report from a West Long Avenue resident who had received fraudulent phone calls from a local phone number.
• Police reported a false alarm occurred at Triangle Springs on Jan. 24.
• On Jan. 24, police reported that charges are pending against a 28-year-old DuBois man who was seen in Wal-Mart by employees after having been previously banned from the property.
• Police received a report from Big Lot’s employees about a theft on Jan. 24. According to police, a couple was seen leaving with two shopping carts full of merchandise that they hadn’t paid for. They proceeded to load the items into a dark-colored sports utility vehicle before fleeing and leaving the carts in their previously-occupied parking space. Upon further investigation, employees located a wallet, which was left behind, and it belonged to a 31-year-old Philadelphia man and contained pictures of him and a 20-year-old Brookville woman who was with him. Both were identified and charges were filed against them.
• Police reported a false alarm that occurred at CNB Bank on Jan. 24.
• On Jan. 25, police received a report from a resident who had been called by someone claiming to be their grandson and in need of bail money to get out of jail. He recognized this as a scam and hung up the phone.
• On Jan. 25, police received a report from employees of Murray Honda about a theft. During the incident, someone allegedly took two new inspection stickers from the dealership. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Jan. 25, police received a report about a burglary on Philips Creek Road. According to police, a 27-year-old Clearfield woman owns the trailer and was contacted by a neighbor about a couple breaking in. When she went to investigate herself, she found several appliances were missing. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about an alleged theft Jan. 25 at the McNulty’s store at the DuBois Mall. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report Jan. 25 from a South Brady Street woman who stated she was walking home when something – like a BB – hit her left hamstring area. Upon investigation, officers found a 22-year-old man in his driveway with friends, and he was shooting BBs at a target. Police handled the situation without incident.
• Police received a report about a disturbance Jan. 25 on Dixon Avenue. According to police, a 50-year-old man was on his porch but had been in front of a neighbor’s residence yelling and threatening to kill their dogs. Police say he appeared to be under the influence and charges were filed for disorderly conduct.
• Police received a report about a reckless driver Jan. 26 in the area of the Falls Creek Sheetz store. Upon arrival, police located a vehicle on the truck side, and a 36-year-old Falls Creek woman was “incoherent” behind the wheel. Police say she failed standard field sobriety tests and drug paraphernalia was located in the vehicle. She was also found to have a suspended driver’s license and to be on probation. She was taken into custody and to county jail for the probation violation.  Charges are currently pending at this time.

DuBois City

• Police stopped a vehicle Monday for a suspected DUI. However, it was found the driver was having a medical emergency and EMS personnel were summoned to provide care.
• Police received a report about a disturbance and vehicle stuck in the snow on Monday. Upon investigation, the male driver was arrested for the suspicion of being under the influence.
• Police received a report about an incident of harassment Monday on North Brady Street. During the incident, someone allegedly left an employee notes on her personal vehicle about parking deficiencies. Police will review security footage of the area.
• Police were contacted by a female who wanted to discuss a custody order. She was concerned that it was being violated and directed to speak with her attorney.

CLEARFIELD – Testimony continued in a 20-year-old Madera man’s homicide trial Tuesday in Clearfield County Court before Judge Paul E. Cherry.

Johnathan Blair Maines has been charged by Trooper Scott A. Sankey of the Clearfield-based state police with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the commonwealth. The defendant is being represented by defense attorney Josh Maines with whom he has no family relation.

Johnathan Maines allegedly fatally stabbed Joshua A. Sahm, 30, of Blandburg on the afternoon of March 20, 2018 in an upstairs bedroom at a Main Street apartment in Madera.

Keith Pinter of Coalport told jurors he partied with five others – Ashley Storm, Johnathan Maines, Sahm, Jesse Breeden and Rick Weatherholtz – “off-and-on” the night of March 19 into the morning hours of March 20.

He said they were doing the methamphetamine that had been purchased from Sahm. Around 3 a.m., he said the defendant wanted everyone out of Storm’s room so he could get some sleep.

According to Pinter, Storm said no and that everyone could stay. He said Johnathan Maines went downstairs to “get away from the situation.”

The next morning, Weatherholtz and Breeden left with a friend to go “junking” while Pinter was dozing on the downstairs couch. A couple minutes later, he was awoken by a “gargled scream.” He heard some scuffling around upstairs and another scream about 20 to 30 seconds later.

He got up and went toward the front stairway, where he could see Storm coming from the bathroom and Johnathan Maines backing down the hallway from Storm’s bedroom.

Pinter said Sahm slowly came staggering and stumbling out of Storm’s bedroom, and was leaning into the wall. He said the defendant looked down at him, then back at Storm and stated, “we gotta get out of here.”

Not knowing what was going on, he ran outside with them and they met up at a garage behind the residence. He said Storm stated there was a knife sticking out of Sahm, and they had to call 911 to get him help.

When Johnathan Maines began to say the knife was in Sahm’s neck, Pinter said he seemed “fidgety,” and there was a blood spatter from the knee down on the left pant leg of his camouflage pants.

Pinter said he told them if Storm called 911, he had to leave. He went on to explain that there were warrants out for him, and he wanted to stay out of jail due to an upcoming child custody proceeding.

He left and saw Storm and Johnathan Maines go back inside the residence. He went to a friend’s place nearby and later on to Coalport.

When he heard about the stabbing, Pinter said he had a female contact state police to give them his location. He said investigators came to him and he voluntarily gave them information.

The defendant’s sister, Harley Leskovansky of Houtzdale, said she picked him up around 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. March 20. She said he appeared to be “really high” and her brother claimed he wasn’t involved with the stabbing.

His sister, Elizabeth Maines, said Harley unexpectedly dropped him off at her residence in Frenchville. She said her brother changed his clothes there, which she bagged and later turned over to state police.

Dr. Harry Kamerow, an expert from Centre Pathology Associates, conducted an autopsy examination on Sahm at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon.

He said Sahm was stabbed in his back, and the eight-inch knife was almost entirely in his body. He said he (Sahm) also suffered two lacerations to the left side of his neck.

Kamerow told jurors there was a “severe” laceration to Sahm’s left carotid artery in his neck. He said there was another laceration to his right lower lung, causing blood to accumulate in his pleural cavity.

He said the knife ultimately transected Sahm’s aorta either perimortem (near time of death) or postmortem (after death). It was found in his abdominal cavity between the lobes of the liver.

Kamerow said the knife was removed at the conclusion of the autopsy examination and turned over to an on-site state police investigator.

When asked under direct questioning by Shaw, he said without emergency assistance, either stab wound – to the neck or back – could independently result in death. He ruled Sahm’s death a homicide.

Joseph Kukosky, a forensic scientist with the Pennsylvania State Police DNA Division in Greensburg, analyzed several samples prepared by the PSP Regional Crime Laboratory in Erie.

He said Sahm’s DNA was detected on the handle and blade of the butterfly and Camillus knives, as well as in a blood stain from a pair of camouflage pants that Johnathan Maines had on March 20.

Under cross-examination by defense attorney Josh Maines, he did say the defendant’s DNA wasn’t found on the knives’ handles, but he noted that both were blood-stained.

Kukosky said DNA from two people was detected on the waistband/zipper pull area of the camouflage pants, with the primary contributor being Johnathan Maines.

The commonwealth will continue presenting its case when the trial resumes at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Courtroom No. 2 at the Clearfield County Courthouse.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment Tuesday on Kendrick Road in Woodward Township. During the incident, an 18-year-old Houtzdale woman allegedly struck a 51-year-old Houtzdale woman. The teen was cited for the incident through the district court.

Clearfield Borough

• Police assisted a motorist who had locked their keys inside their vehicle on Clearfield Street.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a female on Leavy Avenue; she had failed to show for work and was not responding to phone calls. Police were able to locate the female at the residence.
• Police responded to a parking complaint on East Locust Street, and a ticket was issued due to the violation.
• Police received a report about a couple involved in an altercation on East Cherry Street. A male left prior to police arrival, and the situation was handled on-scene.
• Police received a report about an incident of harassment that has occurred over social media.

SANDY TOWNSHIP – An Altoona man is facing charges for trying to break into a Sandy Township home.

Ronald Argo, 40, has been charged by Sandy Township police with criminal attempt to commit burglary, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at nighttime and criminal mischief.

According to a special news release, police responded to a reported burglary in progress at approximately 11:58 p.m. Jan. 26 at a Reynolds Avenue home.

A resident heard glass break and someone trying to get inside. At one point, she thought she heard footsteps in her home and so she locked herself in a closet.

Upon arrival on-scene, police observed a male – later identified as Argo – while he was allegedly forcibly trying to enter through a backdoor.

Argo was taken into custody without incident. He was arraigned and lodged in the Clearfield County Jail after he was unable to post bail.

CLEARFIELD – Testimony concluded and both the commonwealth and defense rested their cases in a 20-year-old Madera man’s homicide trial Wednesday afternoon in Clearfield County Court.

Johnathan Blair Maines has been charged by Trooper Scott A. Sankey of the Clearfield-based state police with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the commonwealth. The defendant is being represented by defense attorney Josh Maines with whom he has no family relation.

Johnathan Maines allegedly fatally stabbed Joshua A. Sahm, 30, of Blandburg on the afternoon of March 20, 2018 in an upstairs bedroom at a Main Street apartment in Madera.

According to previous trial testimony, both men partied at the “drug house” the night before with Ashley Storm, Jesse Breeden, Keith Pinter and Rick Weatherholtz. They all used methamphetamine that was supplied by Sahm.

Sankey was dispatched to the murder scene and arrived shortly after 2 p.m. He said several uniformed troopers had already taped off the residence and he met with his supervisor to establish the game plan for the investigation.

He said he spoke with neighbors and business owners and found out the Moose Lodge had surveillance footage. He said Corporal Adam Gibson, the Clearfield barracks’ crime unit supervisor, obtained the video.

Sankey said both Pinter and Storm were willing to speak to investigators and taken in for interviews. He said Pinter initially mentioned Johnathan Maines had on camouflage pants March 20, but investigators thought he was mistaken.

He explained to members of the jury that when troopers viewed “grainy” surveillance video from the Moose Lodge, they thought the defendant was wearing jeans.

On March 27, investigators conducted additional interviews with Storm and Pinter, both of whom had been incarcerated and were now sober.

This time Storm disclosed more details and that Johnathan Maines had changed clothes March 20 and then hid his camouflage pants in a pile of laundry.

Because another trooper was present, Sankey said he immediately stepped out and made a phone call. He had a trooper sent to the Madera residence right away to locate and collect the pants.

Pinter’s account didn’t change and he told investigators again that Johnathan Maines had on camouflage pants. “… I thought now we may be onto something,” Sankey testified.

On March 27, Trooper Randy Powell went back to the scene where the pants were found in a large pile of dirty laundry beside the washer and dryer at the base of the steps.

He told jurors it appeared there were blood stains on the pants, which were later sent for DNA testing. A state police forensic scientist detected Sahm’s DNA in a blood stain sample and Johnathan Maines’ DNA in a swab taken from the waistband.

The defense called both Harley Leskovansky and Elizabeth Maines to testify on their brother’s behalf. Both were shown the surveillance video of three people running out of the Madera residence.

Both said the second person – who the commonwealth alleges is Johnathan Maines in the video – is not him.

However, under cross-examination by Shaw, both stated they loved their brother. Leskovansky – also when asked – testified that she didn’t believe her brother was capable of murder.

Closing arguments will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday morning after which Judge Paul E. Cherry will instruct members of the jury on the law and send them into their deliberations.

CLEARFIELD – A Texas man, who is living in our area, has been charged by Lawrence Township police with a felony count of failure to comply with registration of sexual offender requirements.

Michael David Johnson, 52, whose current address is the Budget Inn Motel on the Clearfield-Woodland Highway, was sought by police after they received information from Texas about him staying in Clearfield.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers sent Johnson several letters to his registered Texas address starting in February telling him he had to verify his address.

A letter was also sent to his employer who was listed as being in Coalport, notifying him that Johnson had to verify his registration information every 12 months and before Feb. 20 each year.

A third letter sent to Johnson in Texas on Aug. 10, advised him he had to appear within the next 15 days or he would be subject to prosecution.

A local investigation into Johnson’s whereabouts began on Aug. 8 after a tip was received through the Megan’s Law public Web site stating that Johnson was “hiding out” in a room at the Budget Motel in Clearfield.

Police confirmed Johnson was at the motel and learned he was driving a small, red truck that he parked directly in front of the room. The vehicle is registered to an elderly woman living at Graystone Court in Clearfield.

Although the charges were filed Jan. 3, Johnson was not taken into custody until Jan. 17, according to online court documents.

On Wednesday, Johnson waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He remains incarcerated on $75,000 bail.