CLEARFIELD – A Clymer woman was sentenced to state prison Monday after she pleaded guilty for her involvement with two Mahaffey fires in 2017.

The case against Catherine Amanda Burnheimer, 34, has been delayed her attorney Joe Ryan stated, because she has been battling breast cancer. She is currently in remission.

He argued for a county sentence for his client because she would have to deal with different doctors at the state prison but if she were in the county jail, she could be furloughed to attend appointments with the doctors who have been treating her.

Ryan also noted that if the cancer returns, they “would have to jump through hoops” to get her released.

First Assistant District Attorney Ryan Dobo responded to this by saying the fires created a “dangerous situation,” which calls for a state sentence.

President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman commented that the fire at the first house was so severe it spread to a second home, which was also a total loss. He agreed that this is a serious matter with so many fire personnel responding to the call.

“As far as mistakes go, this is a whopper,” Ammerman said.

Ammerman sentenced her to 12 months to four years in state prison for criminal conspiracy/arson. She must pay over $28,000 in restitution.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Nov. 19, 2016, firefighters were called to a house fire at 215 W. Main St., in Mahaffey. This two-story wood-framed home burned completely to the ground.

The fire was so severe that it caused the home next door to also catch fire and this house was also a complete loss. Both residences were unoccupied.

A total of 81 firefighters from numerous area fire companies from four counties were called to fight the fire.

After an investigation, it was determined that the fire was arson and had been caused by an open flame or open flame device.

Approximately a month later, two witnesses reported that Burnheimer told them that she and Raymond Christopher Geer were responsible for the fire. She stated that she was the look-out while Geer lit the fire.

The home belonged to Geer’s uncle, Ronald Geer, who died just a few months earlier. Geer stated that he was incarcerated when his uncle passed away and wasn’t able to say goodbye.

When he talked about the fire, Geer said he used a lighter to set a pile of clothes on fire saying his emotions got the best of him.

In December of 2017, Geer, 31, pleaded guilty to arson, criminal conspiracy and 81 counts of recklessly endangering another person and was sentenced by Ammerman to four to 10 years in state prison. He was also ordered to pay over $28,630 in restitution.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man pleaded guilty Monday to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

Brock Allen Bowman, 20, an inmate of the jail, pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault, criminal use of communication facility and disseminate explicit sexual material to a minor before President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman, who sentenced him to 302 days to two years less one day in the county jail and two years consecutive probation.

Ammerman commented that Bowman’s attorney, Thomas M. Dickey, had delayed the case long enough so that Bowman had served his minimum sentence in the county jail, thus avoiding a possible state prison sentence.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the girl’s mother contacted police to report a violation of a “no contact order” by Bowman, who was prohibited from having contact with her daughter.

She told police Bowman’s mother had advised her that the two had been seeing each other through the weekend of May 12.

In an interview with police, the victim admitted to being with Bowman at his residence and gave details on what happened. She claimed they only kissed.

When pressed about this, she reportedly said they did have sex at other times, but not that weekend because he already knew he was in trouble and being investigated by Sandy Township police.

The victim admitted to having contact with Bowman by phone and gave permission to the officer to review the content of the device, stating there may be naked photos of her on it, police said.

Among the photos on the phone were images of Bowman’s private area that appeared he had taken himself and others that the victim had taken during FaceTime sessions.

Further review reportedly revealed additional photos of the victim naked, semi-naked photos of them together and of sexual acts. There was also a video of them having sex.

The inappropriate content was dated from Dec. 30, 2017 to April 27, 2018.

When Bowman was interviewed at the jail in June after his bail on a driving under the influence charge had been revoked, he admitted to being in a relationship with the victim since she was approximately 12 years old, but it did not become sexual, he claimed until December of 2017.

He then stated he had sex with her five times.

Bowman also pleaded guilty to DUI, corruption of minors and furnishing alcohol to minors. For this he was given a concurrent sentence of 302 days to two years less one day in jail and two years probation.

According to that complaint, when Bowman was pulled over, the 15-year-old victim in the other case was in the vehicle and she had been consuming alcohol.

In a third case, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and was given three years concurrent probation.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman accused of living in filth with five children was sentenced Monday.

Jessica Jo Sabol, 37, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of endangering the welfare of children and was sentenced to a total of six months to one year in jail and one year consecutive probation by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman.

She was ordered to complete a nurturing program and to comply with Children, Family and Youth Services.

Sabol was charged after police visited her Lawrence Township apartment regarding several warrants. Officers found trash, food, dirty diapers, mold and flies throughout the home.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the officers saw all five children in a bedroom with two mattresses spread out on the floor. This included an infant, two toddlers, a 4-year-old and a 16-year-old.

The apartment smelled of rot and the officers noticed multiple holes in the walls. There was partially-eaten food, trash, clothing and dirty diapers scattered throughout it.

When officers moved a blanket, a large number of flies scattered. There was food, trash and a collection of mold observed between the beds and directly where they had all been sleeping.

The adjacent bedroom door was hard to open. Once forced open, they found it was filled ankle deep with dirty trash bags containing soiled diapers, food, drink bottles, clothing and other trash.

Flies were seen throughout the room with more bugs on the floor. The odor was so nauseating the officers had to close the door.

In the bathroom, they found clothes and more trash. Used tampons and pads were on the floor with food and drink in the sink and tub area.

A third bedroom door was smashed and this room contained more dirty clothing. A pink child’s jumper seat was found with what appeared to be dried feces on it.

The kitchen area had food and used pots and pans stacked in the sink. There was more trash inside and outside the back-door area.

A blue pill was found on the floor where it could have been picked up by any of the children.

Sabol also pleaded guilty in a second case to hindering apprehension. For this she was given one year concurrent probation.

According to that complaint, police arrived at her apartment looking for Paul Cantolina, who had eight outstanding warrants. Sabol told the officers that he was not there, even though someone had reported seeing him enter the residence.

She continued to maintain that Cantolina no longer lived there.

After officers entered and called to Cantolina explaining it would be easier on him if he left on his own, Cantolina came down the stairs.

Sabol apologized to the officers claiming she was stuck financially and “what did the officers expect.”

State police at DuBois

• State police are investigating the death of a 43-year-old Falls Creek woman that occurred between April 4 and Monday on Main Street in Falls Creek Borough, Jefferson County. State police say an autopsy has been scheduled on the deceased.

Clearfield Borough

• Police were requested to assist emergency personnel with a patient on Leavy Avenue. However, officers were cancelled while en route.
• Police reported that a bag of garbage was found burning along the 1200 block of Daisy Street. Police found siding was also on fire; fire personnel were summoned to the scene.
• Police assisted Pennsylvania State Parole agents with taking a male into custody along Williams Street. He was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The male was arrested and arraigned on charges, then placed in jail to await his preliminary hearing.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a female along Clearfield Street. Police located the female and learned she was OK.
• Police arrested a male for reportedly being highly intoxicated along South Fourth Street. He was found to be on probation and taken to county jail.
• Police arrested a male for reportedly being highly intoxicated along Ogden Avenue. He was subsequently transported to county jail.
• Police received a report about a child playing near the roadway without any adult supervision along Clearfield Street. Upon arrival, police were unable to locate anyone.
• Police received a noise complaint at a West Locust Street address. Police advised a female of the complaint.
• Police located a male for whom there was an active warrant along North Second Street. He was able to satisfy the warrant.
• Police responded to Temple Avenue and collected several syringes that were located there.
• Police assisted Lawrence Township police with a disturbance along Byers Street.
• Police were able to handle a harassment complaint along Dorey Street.

Sandy Township

• Police received a report about an unruly 29-year-old man Friday at a Treasure Lake residence. Upon arrival, officers located him in the front yard and he became belligerent with police, emergency personnel and his relatives. He was taken into custody and transported to county jail with charges pending.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a 53-year-old Brookville woman who reported that she’d lost her iPhone while at a meeting at the Lakeview Lodge. It was later found in a restroom in the building, she said, and it was heavily damaged.
• On Saturday police were contacted by an Edinger Road man who reported that his dog was hit by a black Dodge pick-up that was towing a utility trailer. He said the driver fled the scene and headed north on state Route 255.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a 34-year-old Wasson Avenue woman who reported that her chocolate lab was missing.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle parked in a Wasson Avenue driveway on Saturday. Upon investigation, officers found it was a 22-year-old Grampian woman who was waiting for her girlfriend. The situation was handled without incident.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a 24-year-old Weedville man who reported that he dropped two $100 bills in the Wal-Mart parking lot. He said when he went to retrieve them, a 22-year-old Penfield man was picking them up and refused to return them.
• On Sunday police were contacted by a board member of Dad’s Horseshoe Club, located on No. 2 Shaft Road, who reported that someone had broken into their building. However, police say there wasn’t anything missing.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an alleged theft that occurred between March 29 and Monday on Pumpkin Hollow Road in Decatur Township. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police reported on a drug-related incident that occurred Tuesday in the area of Schoolhouse and Hardscrabble roads in Morris Township. During a traffic stop, a 19-year-old Morrisdale man was allegedly found in possession of paraphernalia and 11 pills without a prescription. Charges are currently pending at this time.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an assault that occurred Monday or Tuesday on the Patchin Highway in Burnside Township. During the incident, 26-year-old Lonnie Schmoke II of Cherry Tree allegedly stabbed the victim numerous times, causing two ribs to break. Schmoke fled prior to troopers’ arrival on-scene, and there’s an active warrant for his arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-938-0510.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a report of an erratic driver along Nichols Street. Police were able to locate the vehicle but did not observe any illegal activity.
• Police received a report about suspicious activity at a Williams Street residence. Upon arrival, police were unable to locate anyone.
• Lawrence Township police were assisted with an incident along state Route 879. Further, police say a male was taken into custody on an active arrest warrant.
• Police received a report about a male who kicked a door in to obtain property at an East Locust Street address. Police say the male fled the scene, and the investigation is continuing at this time.
• Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred along Nichols Street.

*This news article contains graphic details and may be upsetting to some GANT News readers.

CLEARFIELD – An Amish couple is facing serious charges for the alleged sexual assaults of their six daughters that happened at their Bell Township home for over a decade.

Wallace J. Schmucker, 54, has been charged by the Punxsutawney-based state police with two felony counts of aggravated indecent assault/complainant less than 16 years and multiple felony counts of endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors, plus related offenses. His bail is $250,000.

His wife, Sarah A. Schmucker, 52, has been charged with four felony counts of endangering the welfare of children. She’s currently free on $25,000 unsecured bail.

The Schmucker’s waived their rights to preliminary hearings Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on July 13, a report was made of suspected child abuse to ChildLine and Clearfield County Children & Youth Services. Specifically, it was regarding allegations of sexual molestation made by a group of biological sisters against their father.

State police investigators arranged for interviews with three of the Schmucker’s daughters who are now adults. Troopers were also present for the forensic interviews with the Schmucker’s three minor daughters.

The couple’s oldest of eight daughters who is now 27 said that in September of 2004, she was in their kitchen when her father asked her if he could “touch” her. He allegedly lifted her dress and inappropriately touched her for a period of time.

She said Schmucker was 40 years old at the time of the first incident, and about one month later, he “dropped his pants” in her presence and exposed his private area.

The couple’s second-oldest daughter, now 25, said her father assaulted her in the washroom of their home when she was 13. He allegedly pulled her dress up and touched her inappropriately for about 15 minutes.

She said it made her feel “sad” to think her own father would do something like that. When this happened to her, she said Schmucker was between 41 and 43 years old, and that he touched her a total of six or seven times until she turned 15 years old.

She told troopers the assaults occurred in the washroom, basement and kitchen areas. She also said her father liked to watch his daughters shower, and he exposed his private area to her at least two times.

The third-oldest daughter, now 24, said that in the summer or fall in 2008 when she was 14, her father inappropriately touched her over clothing after she used the restroom. She said he did this again in a similar fashion, and there was possibly a year between the two incidents.

She told troopers her father stopped touching her after she turned 16 years old. When these incidents happened to her, she said her father was between 44 and 46 years old.

The couple’s then 17-year-old daughter was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County. She alleged that her father first molested her in his bedroom when she was 14 or 15 years old.

She said he inappropriately touched her multiple times until he was burned in a fire Jan. 1, 2016, and these incidents happened to her in various areas of their home. She said on at least one occasion, Schmucker touched his private area underneath his clothing.

She told troopers her father was between 51 and 52 years old when these incidents happened to her.

During an interview July 20, Schmucker reportedly told investigating troopers that his daughters wouldn’t lie, and he admitted to engaging in the described conduct.

Troopers also interviewed Schmucker’s wife, Sarah, the biological mother of the victims.  She said in 2004, one of her daughters admitted that her husband touched her inappropriately to which she responded these touchings weren’t for unmarried people and it wasn’t supposed to happen to her.

However, Sarah Schmucker didn’t take any action to protect her daughter or the other children from her husband after being made aware of these allegations, according to the affidavit.

She also reportedly admitted she became suspicious that her husband was molesting another daughter. Though she couldn’t recall if she spoke to her daughter about it, Sarah Schmucker did say she confronted her husband and he admitted to the allegations.

She said they agreed she would help him pray to “control himself” in the future.  But in 2015, she said one of her daughters told her that Schmucker had tried to molest her.

Sarah Schmucker reportedly told her daughter that: “if he tries again, you’re going to tell the church elders.” She said she didn’t confront her husband or protect her daughter, because she was under the impression he did “nothing more than try.”

When troopers asked what she thought of these incidents between her husband and their children, Sarah Schmucker said: “other than those little incidents, I’d say we had a pretty good life.”

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield burglary suspect is saying she committed the crime to look for money that was hidden in the basement of her grandfather’s former home.

Peggy L. Little, 54, of Clearfield has been charged by Chief Vincent McGinnis of the Clearfield Borough police with a felony count each of criminal trespass and burglary. Her bail is set at $25,000.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred Wednesday on Fourth Ave., Clearfield, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

A resident told officers he came home from work early around 10:50 a.m., and while in his kitchen, he heard someone in his basement.

A short time later, a woman, later identified as Little, emerged from the basement and called out for the former resident of the home. She proceeded to the kitchen sink where she began to wash her hair.

The resident said Little was covered with dirt and cobwebs, and when he checked his basement, he discovered she had entered a crawl space underneath his home.

He said he neither knew Little, nor gave her permission to be inside his home. When he called for police assistance, she left the area, but her vehicle was still in the driveway.

Officers began to search the surrounding area on foot with assistance from the Lawrence Township police. At approximately 12:09 p.m., Little emerged from the home next door.

She was positively identified as the unwanted woman in the first resident’s home. She was asked why she was inside and replied her grandfather lived there years ago.

Little reportedly went on to say she was looking for a backpack full of money that was hidden in the basement.

During her transport, she began to make statements and McGinnis activated his in-car camera recording system. He proceeded to recite her Miranda Warnings.

Little was asked again why she was inside the home without permission. She again said she was looking for a backpack full of money that was hidden in the basement.

Little is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m. April 24 during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a retail theft that occurred April 2 at the Dollar General in Cooper Township. During the incident, a 21-year-old Morrisdale man was allegedly seen taking an item from the store without paying for it. Charges will be filed through the district court.
• State police received a report about a burglary that occurred between April 4 and Tuesday at RES Coal LLC’s commercial building, located on Oak Grove Road, in Morris Township. During the incident, someone allegedly forced entry through a window and removed a Singer antique sewing machine, a seal/bearing kit for Caterpillar, a gasket kit for Caterpillar, a starter with battery cables and a Louver window with a metal screen. State police are continuing their investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred sometime between March 15 and Tuesday at RES Coal LLC, located on Six Mile Road, in Decatur Township. During the incident, someone allegedly entered the property and removed a 55-gallon fuel drum containing an unknown amount of gasoline, a fluorescent orange First Aid kit and a 12V vehicle battery with screw-on posts. State police are continuing their investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred sometime Tuesday or Wednesday on the Ginter-Morann Highway in Gulich Township. During the incident, someone allegedly damaged a Houtzdale woman’s car by scratching it.
• State police received a report about a theft/bad check incident Wednesday on Main Street in Bradford Township. During the incident, a 19-year-old Clearfield man allegedly tried to pass a fraudulent check to purchase a motorcycle. State police noted the man arranged to purchase the motorcycle via text-messages and refused to speak by phone. The victim tried to cash the check prior to the motorcycle being picked up by a third-party, and was informed it was “fake.” State police would like the public to be aware of similar scams.

State police at DuBois

• State police reported that a burglary occurred Wednesday on Worth Street in Reynoldsville Borough. According to state police, calls were received about an active domestic and contact was made with a 24-year-old Reynoldsville man upon arrival on-scene. It was learned that he wasn’t permitted to be there, and had entered via a side door after pushing the victim out of the way. He allegedly threatened the victim and tried to access a gun that was secured in a gun cabinet. State police say when his mother tried to stop him, he pushed her into the gun cabinet, which caused the glass in its door to break. After he retrieved the gun, he tried to flee from the residence. State police say the man will face charges of burglary, theft, terroristic threats, criminal mischief and harassment through the district court, and is in Jefferson County Jail to await arraignment.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about an incident of identity theft. During the incident, someone allegedly used the victim’s bank account fraudulently.
• Police received a report about a disturbance on South Fourth Street. Police spoke with both parties about their actions.
• Police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred at a Spruce Street residence. During the incident, someone allegedly removed several items from the victim’s apartment while he was on vacation.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a female on West Locust Street. She was found to be OK.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported on a drug-related incident that occurred Tuesday at the Tan Zone in Clearfield. During the incident, a 33-year-old Woodland woman and 28-year-old Michael Warrick of Clearfield were found to be under the influence. Police say Warrick provided a false name but was later positively identified. Both were taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of drugs and paraphernalia. Warrick was also found to have an active warrant through the county’s Sheriff’s Office; both were housed in county jail due to being under the influence. Charges will be filed through the district court.

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 DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred between Dec. 1 and Tuesday in the area of Sixth Street and Smithtown Road in Falls Creek Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly pushed over 13 headstones throughout the Taylor Memorial Cemetery. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police reported on a DUI that occurred Jan. 18 in the area of Town and Ridge roads in Burnside Township. During a traffic stop, a 56-year-old Westover man was allegedly found to be under the influence. Charges have been filed through the district court.

Sandy Township

• Police received a report Wednesday from employees at the Depot who stated someone had discharged fire extinguishers in a railcar located on the property. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Wednesday police were contacted by an 18-year-old who reported that his 60-year-old neighbor followed him to a store in town; while inside, the man approached him but didn’t say anything. When the teen left the store, he saw the man standing next to his vehicle, so he went back inside and called police. However, the man left prior to police arrival on-scene.
• Police reported that two Treasure Lake residents were involved in a minor crash Thursday in the area of Eat ‘N Park on the Bee Line Highway. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Thursday. along the Behringer Highway. According to police, a vehicle driven by a 64-year-old Houtzdale woman slowed down due to a bus stopped in the opposite lane; its driver was waiting to turn into a parking lot. At the same time, a vehicle driven by a 40-year-old DuBois man rounded a bend and was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the woman’s vehicle. It subsequently forced her vehicle into the front of the stopped school bus. Both drivers and a passenger were treated for injuries; both passenger vehicles were towed from the scene. The bus driver wasn’t injured in the crash, and police say, there weren’t any students on the bus. The bus had front, driver’s side bumper damage, and was driven off the roadway.
• Police received a report about a disturbance between a teen and his grandfather Thursday at a Treasure Lake residence. Upon arrival, police learned it was verbal in nature and handled the incident on-scene.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred April 7 on Maple Street in Cooper Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a chainsaw from a Lanse man’s garage. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• On Saturday state police received a report about a female yelling for help inside a Walnut Street apartment in Curwensville Borough. Upon arrival, troopers located the victim alone but found out an altercation had occurred at a camp in the area of state Route 219 and Johnson Road in Bell Township. She said a 45-year-old Curwensville man pushed her to the ground several times, but she was able to get away and flee the scene. State police say for this, the man will be charged with harassment.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about the alleged neglect of two children in Falls Creek Borough. State police say that between Sept. 9, 2013 and Feb. 27, a five-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl weren’t provided the proper dental care and it resulted in severe decay.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report of harassment from a Bigler Avenue resident. However, police were able to speak with both parties and resolve the situation.
• Police received a report about two males sleeping in the hallway of a Bigler Avenue apartment complex. However, they left prior to police arrival on-scene.
• Police received a report of people walking through yards along Clearfield Street. However, police learned they were looking for a lost pet.
• Police received a parking complaint along East Ninth Street. Upon arrival on-scene, police were unable to locate any violations.
• Police responded to a report of a large sinkhole on West Locust Street. Upon arrival on-scene, police placed cones around this area.
• Police reported that a dog was located along Williams Street and animal control was subsequently summoned to the area.
• Police reported that a male was arrested along East Market Street because he was allegedly highly intoxicated. He was subsequently transported to the county jail.
• Police received a report of a male who was allegedly threatening family members at a West Seventh Avenue address. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about vehicles speeding along Park Avenue. Police will provide extra patrol in the area.
• Police responded to the softball field, located along Arnold Avenue, because it appeared someone had entered the concession stand through a damaged window. However, police say it didn’t appear that anything had been removed from the stand.
• Police arrested a male along West Front Street because he reportedly entered a garage. He was found to be on probation and taken to the county jail.
• Police arrested a male along North Front Street because he was in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
• Police responded to Technology Drive after suspected marijuana was located in the area.
• Police received a report about a theft on West Front Street. Upon arrival on-scene, it was learned a recently-arrested male was in possession of a stolen item.  Police say that additional charges will be filed against him.
• Police assisted with a medical emergency along Williams Street.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported on a DUI crash that occurred April 7 on state Route 879/River Road in Lawrence Township. While on routine patrol, officers observed a struck road sign and vehicle debris; a vehicle was also pulled off along the roadway. When contact was made with the driver, he began to throw up heavily and officers asked him if he was OK. The man reportedly said that he “felt much better now” that he’d “puked up all those shots I just drank.” He was placed under arrest for the suspicion of DUI and charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police reported on a DUI that occurred Saturday in the area of River and Alliance roads in Lawrence Township. While officers were traveling in the area, a driver lost control of their vehicle, which began to spin out in front of the patrol unit. Police say the driver conducted a 360-deegree turn while spinning his vehicle’s tires before stopping, then he fled at a high rate; this caused his vehicle to do a “burn-out,” as he tried to enter Alliance Road. Officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop and allegedly determined the driver was under the influence of alcoholic beverages. He was taken to the local hospital for a legal blood draw; he was later released to a sober person. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a disorderly male Friday in the area of 20^th Street and Dorey Street Extension in Lawrence Township. Officers were told he was screaming in the middle of the roadway, and upon arrival, it was found he was under the influence of a controlled substance. He allegedly attempted to fight with police, and had to be subdued with an electronic control device. He was subsequently taken into custody and to the hospital due to being in an “excited, delirium state.” Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct Saturday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. According to police, several witnesses saw a woman yelling at a small child and others in the parking lot. She allegedly threw an unknown object toward the child, then threw the child in the rear of the vehicle. Charges will be filed against the woman upon completion of the investigation.

DuBois City

• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash in the area of West DuBois Avenue and First Street. According to police, a vehicle was stopped, then the driver proceeded onto West DuBois Avenue but failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle. Police assisted with the exchange of information, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• Police were contacted by a male who had received multiple “robo calls” from the Social Security Fraud Department. He told police he immediately hung up.
• Police received a report about kids harassing ducks along West Washington Avenue. However, police were unable to locate anyone in the area.
• Police received a report of an alarm at the Tractor Supply store. Upon arrival, police saw a male at the rear of the store and he was loading an air compressor onto a trailer. Police confirmed he’d purchased it and was picking it up. Police found everything was OK and cleared the scene.
• Police were contacted by a woman who believed her Google account had been compromised. She was directed to contact Google in order to re-secure her account.
• Police received a report about a stray dog in the area of East Scribner Avenue and Rose Alley. Police located its owner, returned the dog and issued a citation.
• Police responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash in the 900 block of Beaver Drive. According to police, it happened when a driver made a left turn across two lanes and entered into the path of another vehicle. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police assisted state parole agents with taking a female into custody on a warrant.
• Police received a report about a woman sleeping in her vehicle along North Brady Street. Upon arrival, officers advised her that the business owner didn’t wish for her to be in their lot; the woman left without incident.
• Police responded to an automatic burglar alarm at a Beaver Drive business. Upon arrival, police determined everything was OK; it’s believed it was caused by a power outage in the area.
• Police received a report about a retail theft in the 100 block of North Main Street. During the incident, a male allegedly removed items from the store without paying for them. Police were provided with the suspect’s name, and charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a retail theft at a Hoover Avenue business. Upon investigation, a couple allegedly admitted to removing items from the store without paying for them. Charges have been filed against both individuals.

Clearfield Borough

• Police were requested to check the welfare of a male who was reportedly hallucinating. Police located the male and he was subsequently transported to Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital for an evaluation.
• Police received a report about a loose dog in the Spruce Street area. The owner was in search of the dog and able to retrieve it.
• Police received a report about a barking dog at the corner of Park and Nichols streets. Upon arrival, police found the dog was already inside.
• Police received a report about a couple engaged in a disturbance on South Fourth Street. Upon arrival, it was found that it was only verbal in nature; both parties were calmed down and there weren’t any further issues.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Sunday in the area of Clay Plant and Strishock roads in Snyder Township. During the incident, a Brockway couple engaged in a verbal argument while riding in their vehicle. It turned physical when the 30-year-old woman struck the 35-year-old man in the face, causing minor injury to his left cheek. State police say he grabbed the woman by the neck, but then she exited their vehicle and started to walk down the road. He proceeded to a residence along Clay Plant Road. Both will be charged for the incident through the district court.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a minor motor vehicle crash in the area of Bigler Avenue and Bridge Street. Minor vehicle damage and no injuries were reported on-scene.
• Police received a report about the alleged theft of a package. According to police, it was delivered but was missing when the owner went to retrieve it.
• Lawrence Township police were assisted with attempting to locate two males who were wanted in the Glen Richey area.
• Police received a report about an unwanted male on Weaver Street. However, he left prior to police arrival.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle in front of a residence around midnight. The homeowner confronted the individuals, then they left the area.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported on a drug-related incident that occurred Tuesday along Mount Joy Road in Lawrence Township. According to police, information was received about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Route 879 and River Road; it was eventually located along Mount Joy Road. When contact was made with its driver, the 21-year-old Clearfield man was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Charges are currently pending through the district court.
• Police received a report about an incident of trespassing that occurred Tuesday at the Novey Salvage Yard in Lawrence Township. Upon arrival, officers made contact with two people – a 30-year-old Wallaceton man and a 28-year-old Morrisdale man – and advised them of the complaint. They were also requested to leave the property, which they did without further incident.

Sandy Township

• On Friday police were contacted about people who were reportedly going door-to-door and trying to sell “something” in the area of Keen Trailer Court. Upon arrival, officers located individuals inside a white sports utility vehicle with New York plates and verified they were selling Kirby vacuum cleaners. Police then informed them of the proper procedure for obtaining a permit to solicit in Sandy Township.
• Police received a report Friday about an incident of harassment. According to police, a Treasure Lake man said a known woman had been harassing him and his wife by continuing to contact them after being asked to stop. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Saturday at the Wal-Mart in DuBois. According to police, a vehicle driven by a 58-year-old Philipsburg woman and a vehicle driven by a 46-year-old Marion Center woman backed into each other in the parking lot. No injuries were reported, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police reported a false alarm at FedEx on Saturday.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Saturday at the Aldi’s store in DuBois. According to police, a vehicle driven by a 44-year-old DuBois woman hit a vehicle driven by a 60-year-old DuBois man while pulling from a space in the parking lot. No injuries and minor to moderate damage were reported on-scene.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a Hanes Drive woman who reported that her husband’s 21-year-old brother-in-law was at their residence and causing a problem. Upon arrival, officers learned that he’d made rude comments to the woman and she wanted him to leave. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• Police received a report about a crash Sunday at the intersection of South Main Street and Wayne Road. According to police, a vehicle struck a tree and a male occupant was seen walking away from the scene. Officers located the vehicle in a grassy area at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church with the doors open and severe damage. There wasn’t anyone around the vehicle, and the crash remains under investigation.
• Police received a report about a scam on Monday. According to police, a 42-year-old Circle Road man received a message from someone claiming to be a representative with the Rockstar drink company. He was told if he agreed to place advertising on his vehicle, they would pay him $500 per month. Upon receipt of a check, he found out it was fraudulent.
• Police received a report about a domestic incident Monday. According to police, a 45-year-old Hanes Drive woman said that her 44-year-old fiancé had called and demanded she return to the residence while she was running errands. When she returned home, he started a verbal altercation with her that allegedly escalated into a physical assault that caused visible injuries.  When she managed to escape the residence, she contacted police.  Charges were filed against the man who was taken into custody and put in county jail.
• Police received a third-party report about a domestic disturbance Monday at a Hanes Drive residence. Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old woman and her 33-year-old boyfriend. The woman said they had a verbal altercation, but it had ended. Officers handled the situation without incident.

BROOKVILLE BOROUGH (EYT) – Authorities say a Brookville man who is employed as a teacher at Brockway Area School District has been arrested on child pornography charges.

Brookville Borough Police Chief Vince Markle told exploreJeffersonPA.com that 46-year-old Mike Wonderling is being charged with possession of child pornography.

Wonderling is a math teacher with the Brockway Area School District.

Police say Wonderling viewed or downloaded child pornography on his home computer over 30 times, beginning in November of 2018.

Police said information was obtained regarding the possession of child pornography through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Pennsylvania State Police Computer Forensics Unit also assisted in the investigation.

Wonderling was taken into custody at the school on Wednesday. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail.

Brockway Superintendent Jeff Vizza said the school currently has very little information on the situation.

“At this point, the district is not privy to any information regarding the situation,” said Vizza. “All we know is that none of our students were endangered or involved. We are waiting to hear what is going on.”

Stay with EXPLORE for continuous coverage of this Breaking News story.

CLEARFIELD – A Morrisdale man has been accused of stabbing another man in the back with a pocketknife almost a dozen times.

Lonnie Ranger Schmoke Jr., 26, has been charged by the Punxsutawney-based state police with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor terroristic threats and simple assault.

Schmoke waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail is currently set at $100,000.

The charges stem from a report made during the early-morning hours April 9 from a Patchin Highway residence in Burnside Township, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Jim Glass.

State police were advised that the victim was at the emergency department at Conemaugh Miners Medical Center, Hastings, and had wounds consistent with having been stabbed in the back.

During an interview with the investigating trooper, the victim said he and his wife had an argument earlier in the night about company they had over at the house.

His wife’s son, Schmoke, became “irate,” and allegedly pulled out a pocketknife, pointed it at the victim and commented, “I will stab you.”

The victim said Schmoke “lunged” at him and he “bear-hugged” him in an effort to protect himself. However, Schmoke allegedly began stabbing him repeatedly in his lower back.

After he fell to the ground, he said Schmoke struck him in the back with his knee and or foot, and this forced his face into the wall. Schmoke fled the scene.

A neighbor told state police she saw Schmoke as he fled, and he looked at her and stated, “I stabbed him.” Witnesses also confirmed they saw Schmoke fighting with the victim, fleeing the scene and the victim with a “bloody” back.

The victim suffered 10 to 11 stab wounds that were one to two inches long and one-and-a-half to three inches deep; a laceration to his left forearm; a scratch to the left side of his face; and an abrasion to his forehead, plus two broken ribs, state police said.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been accused of sitting in a vehicle outside his ex-wife’s house with a handgun.

Tyler D. Thompson, 24, has been charged by Officer Elliott Neeper of the Lawrence Township police with felony possession of firearm prohibited and firearms not to be carried without a license.

He’s also been charged with misdemeanor stalking, harassment and disorderly conduct, plus one summary. His bail is set at $50,000 monetary.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a call was received Wednesday from an employee of a local assisted living facility. She said a male, identified as Thompson, was parked in the lot waiting for her co-worker to arrive at work.

She said Thompson was her co-worker’s ex-husband, and she (her co-worker) had previously expressed concerns to others about him. He had allegedly sent her pictures of a handgun and tried to have unwanted contact.

She said her co-worker would have normally arrived by then but was not scheduled to work, and that Thompson wasn’t wanted on the facility’s property. A second employee also saw Thompson and told the first employee to contact police and the victim.

Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate Thompson in the parking lot but found out he’d left and gone to a residence on Turnpike Avenue Extension. The victim had called for help because Thompson was outside her house and she was fearful.

Officers located Thompson seated in his vehicle parked in the victim’s driveway. He was removed from his vehicle at gunpoint and asked if he had any weapons. He told the officers there was a gun on the right side of the waistband of his sweatpants.

The weapon was a Kimber .380 that was loaded and not in a holster. He was subsequently taken into custody and put in a patrol unit, where he was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with officers.

During an interview, Thompson claimed he was there to drop off his ex-wife’s sunglasses. He also said she’d text-messaged him and asked for him to bring her a coffee.

However, when asked, he reportedly admitted that they weren’t any longer together, that he’d also gone to her place of employment earlier in the day and she’d told him to have no further contact with her.

Police asked Thompson why he had a gun and he reportedly replied to “shoot someone” if they gave him problems and to protect himself.

When contact was made with the victim, she was visibly upset over the situation. She said she was first contacted by her employer when Thompson was there, and told police there had been previous problems.

Then, she said she looked outside and observed Thompson in his vehicle parked in her driveway for approximately 30 minutes. She called 911.

She said previously, Thompson had left notes on the door handle of her car and another one inside it. She said she ignored his notes but did respond when he sent pictures of her property, which she requested to have returned.

Officers asked the victim if she was fearful of Thompson, she said yes and began to cry. She was then provided information about how to obtain a Protection from Abuse order.

Thompson was subsequently transported to the police station and officers reviewed his conceal carry permit information. It was learned the permit had been revoked April 8 due to an “involuntary commitment” on April 1, according to the affidavit.

Thompson has been scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about an altercation between a father and daughter at an East Locust Street residence. Police were able to handle the incident on-scene.
• Pennsylvania State Police were assisted with attempting to locate a male along East 10^th
• Police fingerprinted a female for employment purposes.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male along East Pine Street. Upon arrival, police were unable to locate the male.
• Police assisted Crisis personnel with serving a 302 warrant on a male on High Street. Police say the male was transported to the hospital for an evaluation.
• Police arrested a male for driving under the influence of alcohol after he reportedly struck the curb several times. This, police say, caused his vehicle to become disabled in the roadway.
• Police received a report about a disturbance at a South Second Street residence. During the incident, a male arrived to find a female who was allegedly highly intoxicated and destroying items.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported an incident of DUI that occurred April 10 at Arby’s in Clearfield. According to police, information was received from restaurant employees who observed a 56-year-old Clearfield woman swerving her vehicle in the drive-up lane. While she was at the drive-up window, she was allegedly seen with an alcoholic beverage. Upon arrival, police administered field sobriety tests and determined the woman was under the influence. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of child endangerment Monday on Washington Avenue in Hyde. Police say two young children – ages 4 and 6 years – were walking down the roadway near the police station. The children were taken into protective custody and police notified Children, Youth & Family Services. Charges are currently pending against the mother.

GANT News has partnered with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and will publish its absconders list for Clearfield County.

Individuals listed on this page are not reporting as required by conditions of their parole. Probation and parole officials are seeking information as to their whereabouts.

If you have seen or have information regarding any individual within your community who is listed as a parole absconder, please contact the board at 1-800-932-4857 or  RA-CRabscondertips@pa.gov to report the information. You may also submit an online tip.

Any information provided will be held in strictest confidence.

Photo (if available)	Name
	Richard Gilbert
	Anthony Halowell
	Frederich Harris
	Scott Haversack
	Alisha Hayward
	Cory Irwin
	Trevon Johnson
	Isaac Miller
	Richard Nelson
	Ronda Shafer
	Larry Tobias
	Joseph Weeks

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a trespassing incident that occurred Saturday on Camp Corbly Road in Greenwood Township. During the incident, a 64-year-old Smithmill man was allegedly found on a Phoenixville, Pa. man’s property. He was cited for the incident through the district court.

State police at DuBois

• State police reported on a drug-related DUI that occurred Sunday on U.S. Route 322 in Winslow Township. According to state police, a vehicle operated by a 17-year-old DuBois girl was stopped and she was determined to be impaired; there was also a strong odor of burnt and raw marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia. She was subsequently arrested for suspicion of DUI and related charges, which are currently pending at this time. State police say her passenger, an 18-year-old Reynoldsville woman, was found in possession of a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia; charges are pending against her, as well.

DuBois City

• On Friday police were requested to check the welfare of a male sleeping on a bench in the 100 block of West Long Avenue. Upon arrival, police found he was trying to stay out of the rain, but he did agree to leave.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Friday and discovered the driver, a 27-year-old DuBois man, was wanted through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody and allegedly found with numerous items of drug paraphernalia inside his vehicle. He was transported to be released to the sheriff’s office; new charges are pending at this time.
• While on patrol Friday, police witnessed a motorist littering and committing a traffic violation. As an officer attempted a vehicle stop, the male driver got out and fled on foot. He was subsequently caught a short distance later by a Sandy Township officer and it was found the male was wanted by state parole. His passengers were allegedly in possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Police say the male passenger was wanted through Domestic Relations in Jefferson County and transported to county jail; the driver was released to state parole officials. Charges are currently pending against all the vehicle’s occupants at this time.
• On Saturday police were requested to contact someone about a reported theft incident. Police say the caller was parked at the Tannery Dam when his tackle box was removed from his vehicle. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police were on routine patrol Saturday and saw a disabled vehicle in the 200 block of South Brady Street. Police assisted with moving the vehicle off the roadway.
• While on routine patrol Sunday, police saw a motorist committing a traffic violation. Police subsequently stopped the vehicle and determined the male driver was under the influence of alcohol; a controlled substance and paraphernalia were allegedly found in the vehicle. Police transported the male to the hospital for a legal blood draw, and he was later released to a sober adult. Charges are currently pending at this time.

Timothy J. Seagraves (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been accused of abusing a seven-month-old baby.

Timothy J. Seagraves, 23, has been charged by Officer Shawn Fye of the Clearfield Borough police with felony aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and aggravated assault/victim less than 6 and defendant 18 or order (three counts).

He has also been charged with three misdemeanor counts each of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. Unable to post $50,000 bail, he’s been incarcerated in the Clearfield County Jail.

The charges stem from a report of suspected child abuse made to police on March 19, according to a news release issued by Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.

The baby had been taken to Penn Highlands DuBois on March 18 and diagnosed with bilateral subdural bleeding, then transferred to UPMC Children’s Hospital.

It was discovered the baby had multiple preretinal, intraretinal and subretinal hemorrhages. His injuries also required surgery for placement of a subdural drain, Shaw stated.

As part of the police investigation, it was learned Seagraves would become frustrated when the baby wouldn’t stop fussing.  He would allegedly shake the baby and forcibly throw him into his basinet.

“This was a terrible case of child abuse,” Shaw stated, adding that the DA’s office intended to prosecute this case to the “fullest extent of the law.”

“Child abuse of any nature is unacceptable.” He also thanked Fye, Clearfield Borough police and Children & Youth Services for their assistance.

Seagraves was arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Monday before Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris. He’s been scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m. May 1 during centralized court at the county jail.