CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale couple accused of abusing their six adopted children pleaded guilty Monday during colloquy court.

Timothy Dean Krause, 52, and Barbara Jean Krause, 51, both pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of children, criminal conspiracy, six counts of simple assault, two counts of terroristic threats and six counts of recklessly endangering another person, all misdemeanors, before Judge Paul E. Cherry, who sentenced them to a total of seven to 40 years in state prison.

The charges stem from incidents occurring over several years when the victims, aged 12 years old to 16 years old, were beaten and food was withheld from them.

Prior to sentencing, the couple who are fostering the children addressed the court.

“There are no words for the physical and emotional abuse against these children,” the foster mother said.

A mother protects her children and does not beat them or not feed them, she said. “They tried to break these kids but they did not succeed.”

If they regret their actions, it is only because they got caught, she stated, adding that if the kids were still in that home, they would still be in that situation.

She finished by saying she loves these children and wants them to be a part of her family so they know what that is really like.

Cherry told the Krause’s that “no child should have to endure what you did to them.” “You violated the trust you had with these children.”

When asked if she had anything to say, Barbara Krause said she loved them and will never stop loving them.

Timothy Krause apologized for what he had done and said he was sorry this happened. He also stated he loved the children.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the kids were beaten multiple times over several years with paddles sometimes until the extent that their buttocks would bleed. They were also beaten with a board until their knuckles bled.

As they were being beaten, trained dogs would bite them and police said they had scars from the attacks.

Food was reportedly withheld as another punishment and they were sometimes fed only eggs and water. They all slept in one room of the three-bedroom home with two of them sleeping on a thin mat on the floor, police said.

Their mother said she would slit their throats in their sleep and threatened another child with a gun and an ax, they told investigators.

After physical exams by a doctor, it was determined that the children “were physically abused and tortured by their parents.”

This doctor also found that the kids who were being home-schooled were one to two years behind in their school work, according to the report.

CLEARFIELD – One of the people facing charges in connection to the Chase Anderson murder was sentenced Tuesday.

Joseph Clayton Ralston, 39, and Chantell Renee Demi, 27, of Woodland are both accused of setting fire to the vehicle used to transport Anderson to a remote area of Pike Township where he was murdered.

Anderson, 19, was reported missing by his mother in August of 2017, but the investigation took a sad turn after Kenja Kasheem Tew, 23, allegedly made comments to witnesses that Anderson was “not coming back.”

Once Tew was in custody, he reportedly led police to Anderson’s burnt body in a wooded part of Pike Township.

Testimony at the preliminary hearing revealed that Tew and Denny Scott Bailey, 39, also of Woodland, lured Anderson to the remote area and then fought with him. Each of them claimed the other stabbed Anderson and burned the body.

They are both charged with criminal homicide, assault, kidnap to inflict terror, conspiracy and related offenses.

Anderson suffered multiple stab wounds, his throat was slit and his nose was fractured, according to testimony from former county coroner Mike Morris.

Ralston and Demi were ordered by Bailey to destroy the Ford Explorer and set it on fire using lighter fluid, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

In an interview with investigators, Ralston admitted that he was aware Tew and Bailey committed the murder before he and Demi burned the vehicle.

Ralston pleaded guilty Tuesday to arson/property exceeding $5,000 value and two counts of criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman to two to four years in state prison.

Ralston is cooperating with the Commonwealth in this case.

Demi was charged with four counts of criminal conspiracy and tampering with evidence and in a second case with reckless burning, criminal conspiracy and tampering with evidence.

She signed a plea agreement with the condition she cooperate with the case and is scheduled for sentencing in June.

Bailey’s case will be scheduled for trial first, possibly as soon as October with Tew’s case will being scheduled sometime after that, according to court personnel.

On Tuesday Ralston also pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance by inmate and was sentenced to 30 months to five years in state prison. The two sentences will run concurrently.

According to the affidavit in that case, a corrections officer at the jail found Ralston in possession of both methamphetamine and oxycodone.

In a third, unrelated case, he pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. For this he received a period of concurrent probation.

Clearfield Borough

• Police handled a report of harassment by communications from a Linden Street resident.
• Lawrence Township police were assisted with identifying a male who had provided a false name. He was found to have several active arrests warrants and put in the county jail.
• Police assisted with a medical emergency along Turnpike Avenue.
• Dubois police arrested a male who held active warrants through the Clearfield Borough police. He was transported to the magistrate’s office where he was able to satisfy the warrants.
• Police received a call regarding a lost dog in the area of South Fourth Street. Police were later contacted and advised the dog had been found.
• Police received a report about a disturbance on East Sixth Street. Upon arrival, police found that two females had engaged in a verbal altercation. Police handled the incident on-scene.
• Police received a report about a male threatening to damage a female’s property on South Second Street. Upon arrival, police handled the incident on-scene.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male along Bridge Street. Police located the male along River Road and determined he was OK.

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.

Little waived her right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred April 10 on Fourth Avenue, 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.

Sandy Township

• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Saturday. According to police, a vehicle driven by a 54-year-old Treasure Lake resident failed to stop in time to avoid hitting a vehicle driven by a 76-year-old Treasure Lake resident that was stopped at a red light on state Route 255 near the Interstate 80 entrance. No injuries were reported to police.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a resident who reported all-terrain vehicles were traveling up and down Don Street. However, the ATVs were gone upon police arrival.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a Santa Lucia Road resident who reported that an unknown object was used to damage a window at the front of her residence.
• Police reported a false alarm Saturday at a Blue Jay Road residence.
• Police reported a false alarm Monday at Burger King.
• Police were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call Monday at a Time to Bid Road residence. However, it was found to be accidental.
• On Monday police were contacted by a 37-year-old Hanes Drive resident who reported that someone had broken into her residence and stolen her ex-husband’s drill. They also damaged a screen and wall, she told police.
• Police received a report about a phone scam Monday. According to police, a 52-year-old Treasure Lake woman received a call from a man claiming there was a warrant issued for her arrest and stating he needed her social security number. She recognized this call as a scam before providing any personal information.  Sandy Township police would like to remind residents they should never provide personal information to people they don’t know.
• On Monday police were contacted by a 53-year-old Freedom Road resident who reported that someone had driven through her yard, causing damage to landscaping and three solar lights in her driveway.
• Police reported a false alarm Tuesday at Lowe’s.
• Police received a report about two males who were riding dirt bikes behind the school Tuesday. They allegedly caused damage to the landscaping before fleeing the scene.  Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Tuesday police were contacted by a 61-year-old woman who reported she’d received a harassing phone call from her niece’s 25-year-old boyfriend. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Tuesday police reported that a tractor-trailer driver backed into another tractor trailer in the parking lot at Pilot. No injuries occurred as a result of the mishap.

State police at Clearfield

• State police investigated a report of terroristic threats April 18 on Veterans Street in Gulich Township. During the incident, a 40-year-old Beccaria man, Joshua Hardy, allegedly told the victim he’d “like to stick a gun between her eyes and blow her head off,” because that would take his “misery away.” For this, Hardy was lodged in county jail.

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.

Clearfield Borough

• Police were requested to check the welfare of an elderly resident along South Fourth Street. Police located the female who was having issues with her cellular phone and were able to get it to work again.
• Police responded to a three-vehicle collision in the area of Nichols Street and Turnpike Avenue. According to police, two vehicles were parked at a red light when a vehicle operated by a male juvenile failed to stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of him, which in turn caused a chain reaction. One vehicle was towed from the scene, and one female was taken for medical treatment as a result of injuries.  Citations will be filed concerning the crash.
• Police received a report about a child throwing items onto the sidewalk from a window along East Market Street. Upon arrival, police located the mother who was advised of the complaint.
• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft at a local business. During the incident, someone allegedly took a flashlight and left without paying for the item.
• Police reported that representatives from a local business were participating in a trash clean-up along Cemetery Road when they located two syringes. Upon arrival, police were able to properly collect the syringes.
• Lawrence Township police conducted a traffic stop and discovered the vehicle’s occupant had an active warrant through the Clearfield Borough police. However, the female was able to satisfy the warrant on-scene.
• Police assisted with a reported overdose along North Second Street. A female was subsequently transported to the hospital by emergency personnel.
• Police assisted a motorist who had locked their keys inside their vehicle along Reed Street.
• Police were requested to assist a grandmother who was unable to reach her adult granddaughter on East Locust Street. Upon arrival on-scene, police learned that contact had been made and their assistance wasn’t any longer needed.
• Police responded to a minor motor vehicle crash along East Seventh Street. According to police, a vehicle was backed into another vehicle that was unoccupied at the time. Police later located the owner of the victim’s vehicle and assisted with the exchange of information.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a single-vehicle crash April 26 along the Clearfield-Glen Richey Highway near Parker Road. According to the report, a vehicle operated by 54-year-old Richard Rusnak of Hastings traveled off the roadway and impacted a guiderail along the opposing lane of travel. Upon further investigation, it was determined he was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance and had a loaded handgun concealed in his vehicle without a valid permit. When he was placed under arrest, police say a search of his person turned up a controlled substance. Rusnak refused to provide a blood sample and was lodged in county jail.

DuBois City

• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Friday along East Long Avenue. According to police, a male driver pulled out onto a one-way street in the wrong direction. When he realized this, he tried to back up and hit a parked vehicle. No injuries and minor damage were reported in the mishap.
• Police received a report about a theft-related incident at a local business in the 100 block of North Main Street. According to police, the victim had previously lost her credit card, and it was being used at the business. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Saturday police responded to a business, located along Liberty Boulevard, for a male punching the window of a vehicle. He’d reportedly struck the vehicle with his own. Upon arrival on-scene, witnesses told police the man had left in a white Jeep Commander. During a search of the area, the owner of the victim’s vehicle was found, and she wouldn’t tell police who had hit her vehicle. However, it was learned through a witness that her husband had hit her vehicle, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police received a report Saturday about a break-in at a residence in the 100 block of Rumbarger Avenue. Upon police arrival on-scene, the victim said a known female broke her dog door and got inside. She said the female had previously been told multiple times that she wasn’t any longer welcome on the property. The investigation is ongoing at this time with charges pending.

CLEARFIELD – The investigation is continuing after a rash of early-morning car break-ins Monday in the East End neighborhood, according to Clearfield Borough police.

Police say several items have been recovered and are currently being held at the station.

Anyone who believes their car was broken into and or who may have additional information is asked to contact police at 814-765-7819.

DUBOIS – A DuBois man is facing a total of 40 felony counts of child pornography.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office filed these charges and one felony count of criminal use of communication facility against Benjamin Vernon Johnson, 48, on April 25.

He is currently incarcerated at the county jail on $50,000 bail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, photos consisting of nude underage boys were posted online in October and then traced to an e-mail account at 37 Pentz Run Ave., in Sandy Township.

The Internet address from where the photo was uploaded also came to that same address.

On April 25, a search warrant was executed on that residence while Johnson and his mother were in the home.

In an interview with investigators in a laundry room, Johnson said only he and his mother have lived at the home since November of 2018.

He became nervous while the interview was being recorded, even though he had agreed for it to be taped. It was then shut off.

A female agent also noted that Johnson seemed uncomfortable with her in the room, so she left.

Agents located two tablets in Johnson’s room, which were password protected. He was reluctant to provide the passwords and hesitated to confirm his e-mail address, investigators said.

While speaking with a male agent on the back porch, Johnson reportedly stated that he got into things he shouldn’t have and he should have erased it.

Johnson allegedly stated that he views child pornography “because he is trying to get rid of urges of being a hands-on offender of children.”

He told the agent he stored child pornography on CDs/DVDs and gave them the location of those items in his room, according to the report.

Another agent stated that Johnson told him he was attempting to get a password for a protected file on a Web site by sending the child pornography.

In addition, Johnson allegedly used a social media app to chat with other adults to exchange pictures of children engaged in sexual acts and he joined teen chat rooms.

A search of his tablets and CDs uncovered at least 40 images of child porn, according to the complaint.

The devices were seized and sent for further analysis.

While speaking with the agents, Johnson allegedly stated that he knew possessing child pornography was illegal and had been afraid he would be caught with it.

Johnson’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 10.

Amy Beth Grad (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Punxsutawney woman accused of trying to stab her husband and assaulting a state trooper in June of 2018.

Amy Beth Grad, 40, failed to appear for a hearing on the commonwealth’s motion to revoke her bail on April 23 in Clearfield County Court, District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. said on Monday.

Trooper Seth Rupp of the Punxsutawney-based state police has charged Grad with aggravated assault, F2, two counts; simple assault, M2, three counts; resisting arrest, M2; and related offenses.

The charges stem from a domestic assault that occurred June 1 at Grad’s Mahaffey residence, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

State police were contacted by Grad’s husband who said she was trying to stab him. The call was disconnected, but he called back saying he was outside and had taken the knife from his wife.

During an interview with a trooper on-scene, Grad’s husband said the couple had argued about general marital things the previous evening.

He said that their argument resumed at approximately 7:20 a.m., when she came into the bedroom doing a “seductive Cleopatra type dance.”

She reportedly said, “Come on baby, it’s going to be alright.” She was also “hissing” at him, he told the trooper. When he asked his wife to leave the room, she refused.

Then, he said she blocked the doorway to prevent him from leaving. Grad grabbed a kitchen knife that was on top of a bookshelf and allegedly tried to stab him in his left, abdominal area.

He said she attempted to stab him again, but he was able to grab her arms and raise them above his head. He said that this caused the knife to go into the wall and break.

While he attempted to restrain his wife, she allegedly bit him in the upper chest area, and this caused a slight injury. Grad’s husband said he was finally able to get away from her and he went outside where he sat in his vehicle to await the arrival of state police.

As part of his investigation, Rupp interviewed patrol trooper, Dana Mosier, about further incident with Grad when she was being taken into custody.

Mosier said Grad had to be taken to the ground and was “constantly screaming and acting in a violent, tumultuous manner.”

When troopers attempted to handcuff Grad, Mosier said she actively resisted by trying to pull her hands away and placing them under her body.

Grad was eventually handcuffed and placed inside the patrol unit. At this time, it was discovered that she was still in possession of keys to the family vehicle.

When Mosier tried to retrieve the keys, Grad allegedly bit her right hand. It caused her pain, redness, swelling and bruising.

During course of the investigation, Rupp said it was determined that Grad would be taken to the DuBois Penn Highlands Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Rupp said during her transport, Grad continuously spit throughout the backseat, and the patrol unit had to be taken out of service for professional cleaning.

Grad is currently scheduled to appear for a jury trial on May 20, Shaw said. She’s described as a Caucasian woman standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall. She also has brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with knowledge of Grad’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about a stolen vehicle from along East Eighth Street. Upon investigation, it was located in the Altoona area, and Altoona police apprehended its occupants. It was also found they were associated with a group that had allegedly been stealing items from unlocked vehicles in the Clearfield area. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report about a bad check from a local business.
• Police received a report that a juvenile had stolen another juvenile’s cell phone. The phone, police say, was retrieved and returned back to the rightful owner.
• Police responded to Penn Highland’s Clearfield Hospital for a reported unruly male. Police were able to talk with the male who calmed down.

BROOKVILLE BOROUGH (EYT) – A former Jefferson County deputy sheriff who allegedly stole funds intended for the Jefferson County K9 program is due in court this week.

Court documents indicate 24-year-old Kyle Pisarcik of Sykesville is scheduled to stand for a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, May 2, on the following charges:

– Theft by Deception-False Impression, Felony 3

– Forgery – Alter Writing, Misdemeanor 1

According to a criminal complaint, Special Agent Seefeld of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations was assigned to investigate allegations of theft and forgery against Pisarcik, a former deputy sheriff with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).

The complaint notes that in 2017, Pisarcik wanted to become a K9 handler, so he and the JCSO raised the necessary funds to buy K9, Iron, and establish a checking account at a local bank for a K9 program.

As part of Pisarcik’s responsibilities as a K9 handler, he was in charge of purchasing the necessary supplies for care and training.

Pisarcik was made a signatory on the checking account and was required to obtain approval from either Sheriff Carl Gotwald Sr., Chief Deputy Sandra Means or James Vansteenberg, treasurer of Jefferson County, before making any purchases related to the K9 program.

According to the complaint, on Aug. 2, 2018 while preparing the checking account for audit, Gotwald discovered that some of the supporting documents provided by Pisarcik for his purchases from Leerburg Enterprises Inc. were not sufficient to reconcile the account.

As a result, on Oct. 18, 2018, Gotwald contacted Leerburg, which stated that Pisarcik did have an account with the company, but neither he nor the JCSO made any of the purchases that Pisarcik is claiming.

Gotwald then called Pisarcik into his office along with Means and Sergeant Samuel Bartley.

According to the complaint, Pisarcik said he did not understand why there was no record of his purchases from Leerburg. Gotwald instructed Pisarcik to obtain his receipts and credit card statements for proof of purchase.

The complaint notes that on Oct. 19, 2018, Pisarcik informed Gotwald that he had written the checks to himself without making any purchases from Leerburg and said that he had some financial problems and wrote the checks to himself because he needed the money.

Pisarcik then resigned and repaid the money for the two fraudulent Leerburg purchases and other purchases that he made via the bank checking account, which totaled $4,865.75.

According to the complaint, initially, the $4,865.75 was thought to be all of the money that Pisarcik owed to the JCSO; however, Nicholas Scaife, accountant for the JCSO, audited the checking account and discovered some additional issues: Pisarcik submitted two fraudulent invoices from Haag’s Feed Store & Milling LLC (Haag’s), totaling $660.

The complaint notes that Haag’s provided Gotwald and Scaife with a sample invoice, which did not resemble the invoices submitted by Pisarcik.

Pisarcik also submitted a fraudulent invoice from Shallow Creek Kennels Inc. (Shallow Creek) for $5,100.78. Gotwald called Shallow Creek and requested a copy of all invoices from the JCSO.

There was no transaction from Shallow Creek for $5,100.78. All of Shallow Creek’s invoice numbers begin with a “17”; however, Pisarcik’s invoice began with an “82”.

Lastly, Scaife discovered an invoice from Shallow Creek for $350 that appears to be fraudulent because the invoice number, 172496, is not on Shallow Creek’s “all transactions list,” which includes everything purchased by the JCSO.

Based on Special Agent Seefeld’s investigation, it was determined that Pisarcik currently owes $5,978.44 to the JCSO.

Pisarcik was arraigned in front of Bazylak at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 24. He remains free on $30,000 unsecured bail.

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

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported on a pursuit that resulted in a motor vehicle crash Saturday in Morris Township. Troopers say a 45-year-old Hyde man was traveling south in the area of Sixth Street in Hawk Run and at a very high rate of speed. He reportedly failed to stop at the intersection with Empire Road and proceeded to travel across and then off the roadway. Upon impact with an embankment, his vehicle went airborne, hit the ground and overturned; it came to a final rest on its roof. Troopers say the man suffered suspected serious injury and was flown to UPMC Altoona for medical treatment. State police were assisted on-scene by the Morris Township Fire Co., Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services STAT MedEvac and towing services.

Lawrence Township

• Police conducted a warrant service that resulted in a drug seizure Monday at the Edgewood Apartments. According to police, Chad Butler, 36, of Clearfield was observed leaving an apartment and taken into custody on a warrant. Upon a search of his person, Butler was allegedly found in possession of a plastic bag of methamphetamine and a hypodermic needle. Butler was taken to the magistrate’s office for arraignment and housed in county jail.
• Police received a report about a domestic assault Friday at the Lawrence Park Village. During the incident, 36-year-old Chad Butler of Clearfield allegedly forced entry into the victim’s apartment and then “became physical with her” before fleeing the scene. As a result, police filed charges against Butler, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

DuBois City

• Police were requested to check the welfare of a Robinson Street resident on Monday. Upon arrival, it was learned that everything was OK, and the resident was without a phone. Police subsequently cleared the scene.
• Police received a report about an incident of fraud Monday. According to police, the caller said his mother had gotten a package from Montgomery Wards in the name of her late husband. When police contacted the business and spoke to a loss prevention representative, it was learned a second order had been placed but was reportedly being shipped and delivered to an address in Newark, N.J. Police say this order was then cancelled, and no further action was taken.
• Police responded to an abandoned home Monday after drugs and paraphernalia were found there. Upon arrival, police took possession of the items, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of theft on Monday. During the incident, someone allegedly stole $500 from the victim’s vehicle while it was parked at a local grocery store. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police responded to a two-vehicle crash Monday in the area of Way Office Supply on Division Street. According to police, a van was stopped at a traffic light near the railroad tracks. Its driver felt he was too close to the tracks and began to back up. However, his van impacted the front of the vehicle behind him. Both drivers exchanged information prior to police arrival; no injuries and minor damage were reported on-scene.

Timothy J. Seagraves (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been accused of abusing his 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.

Seagraves waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the jail.

The charges stem from a report of suspected child abuse made to police on March 19, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.

The baby had been taken to Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital on March 18 due to vomiting and having decreased feeding for four days.

He reportedly had a “bulging” fontanelle and was crying when he was first brought into the exam room. He was also reportedly lethargic when medical staff started an IV.

Following a CT scan, the baby was diagnosed with bilateral subdural bleeding, then transferred to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh because he needed a “higher level of care,” the affidavit states.

There, Dr. Sara Otaibi, DO pediatric ophthalmologist, discovered the baby had multiple preretinal, intraretinal and subretinal hemorrhages in both fundi.

Otaibi concluded: “In the absence of a fall greater than two stories, a high-speed motor vehicle accident or uncontrolled bleeding disorder, retinal hemorrhages of this extent can be explained only by nonaccidental trauma.”

The baby also reportedly suffered from bilateral subdural hemorrhages, which required him to undergo neurosurgery for placement of a subdural drain.

Because there were “layers of blood,” medical staff found this to be an indicator of prior abuse, and said his injuries were the result of “Shaken Baby Syndrome.”

During a police interview April 11, Seagraves admitted he would get frustrated with his son when he wouldn’t stop fussing.

On March 14, the day the baby first became ill, Seagraves allegedly shook him. As he watched his head go back and forth, he said he yelled for him to “shut the [expletive] up.”

Then, he allegedly forcibly threw his son into a bassinet and laid a blanket over his face before walking away. He said the baby continued to fuss for about five minutes.

Seagraves admitted his son’s fussing was possibly due to a head injury. He said when the baby first threw up around 11 p.m. that night, he knew he’d gone “a little overboard.”

Also, during the interview, Seagraves said he’d “acted out” toward his son at least three or four times with the last time being the most severe.

He said when he first realized he was being forceful, the baby was three-and-a-half to four-months-old. However, he went on to claim that he didn’t know his own strength.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a burglary that occurred Wednesday on First Street in Penn Township. During the incident, someone allegedly forced entry into the victim’s residence and removed her pain medication. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a theft that occurred Wednesday on Lawrence Avenue in Hyde. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a wooden bench from the victim’s residence. Police are continuing their investigation and would like to remind that anyone caught with another person’s property will face the appropriate charges.
• Police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred during the nighttime hours Tuesday on River Road in Clearfield. Police say the victim’s 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo was damaged while parked in the area of the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center. Anyone with information is asked to contact township police.

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County Domestic Relations periodically reports the names of people who are wanted on a bench warrant for owing back child support and/or court costs.

The following names are published in an effort to assist in the apprehension of people who owe past-due support payments. This list will continue to be published on a regular basis on GANT.

Anyone who may have information concerning any of the people listed is asked to call Clearfield County Domestic Relations at 814-765-5339, Extension 344. All calls will remain anonymous.

CLEARFIELD – A Morrisdale woman has been accused of being in possession of methamphetamine while appearing for Clearfield County Court.

Amber R. Dorbolo, 33, has been charged by Sgt. Nathan Curry of the Clearfield Borough police with felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and misdemeanor intentional possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

The charges stem from March 27 when Dorbolo appeared before President Judge Fredric Ammerman, who ordered for her to undergo a drug test, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

A probation officer escorted Dorbolo to the women’s restroom, and she suspected that Dorbolo was under the influence of something. At the restroom, Dorbolo said she couldn’t provide a urine sample because she was pregnant.

When asked by the PO if she’d test positive for drugs, Dorbolo allegedly admitted results would come back positive for methamphetamine because she’d used the drug about an hour earlier.

Dorbolo proceeded to remove a plastic baggie from her underwear that she allegedly said contained methamphetamine. She told the PO it was worth about $900 and she could get “pounds” of the drug.

Because Dorbolo was being remanded to the county jail, a sheriff’s deputy asked if she had any other contraband. She allegedly said she’d swallowed four balloons containing Carfentanil, a potent synthetic opioid, so she’d have it in case she ended up in jail.

Dorbolo was subsequently transported to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital for medical treatment.

The crystal substance seized from Dorbolo at the courthouse was field-tested and showed positive for methamphetamine. It weighed about 24 grams, according to the affidavit.

Police have sent the suspected methamphetamine to the Pennsylvania State Police’s Erie Crime Laboratory for further analysis.

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 firearms not to be carried without a license and misdemeanor possession of firearm prohibited.

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

Thompson waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a call was received April 17 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.

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.