CLEARFIELD – A former employee at SCI Houtzdale was sentenced to state prison himself after pleading guilty to sneaking drugs into the prison.

On Tuesday during colloquy court, Rick Allen Davis Jr., 37, was sentenced by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman to two to five years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to felony counts of possession of controlled substance/contraband to inmate (synthetic marijuana, methamphetamine and suboxone), possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Prior to sentencing, his maximum sentence was discussed after his attorney, Steven Johnston said that Davis wanted to be eligible for the Quehanna Boot Camp, but the recommended sentence from the probation office was for him to serve a maximum of six years, which would make him ineligible.

Ammerman stated a five-year maximum would allow him to be considered for the program and then gave him that sentence.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Davis, a corrections officer food service instructor, dropped a container in the officers’ dining hall bathroom, which contained Muslim oil.

In an interview with investigators, Davis admitted he intended to deliver Muslim oil and synthetic marijuana to an inmate.

Police say when he was searched, they found a small bag of methamphetamine, two suboxone strips and 10 sheets of paper containing synthetic marijuana.

Davis gave police permission to search his vehicle, which was found to contain 18.9 grams of methamphetamine, 1.3 grams of synthetic marijuana packed in latex type packaging, 10 paper strips containing synthetic marijuana, nine full sheets of paper containing synthetic marijuana, 44 packages of suboxone, a plastic bottle with 74.9 grams of synthetic marijuana, a half strip of suboxone and 14 international money orders payable to Davis totaling $4,341, according to the report.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman charged with endangering the welfare of a child after her 7-year-old daughter was found dirty and hungry pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Brittany Marie Sipe, 27, also pleaded guilty in an unrelated case to retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia before President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman, who sentenced her to a total of 90 days to one year in jail and 18 months consecutive probation.

She was ordered to complete a nurturing program, and to comply with all conditions set by Children, Youth and Family Services. She must also complete the retail theft program and pay restitution of $356.62.

According to the affidavit of probable cause in the first case, on Aug. 27, police received a report form Lawrence Park Village about the girl after neighbors noticed she was not being properly cared for and should have been in school.

The girl said she was hungry. Her hair was matted and it seemed she had been wearing the same clothes for a few days.

An officer on the scene noticed she did not have shoes or socks. When asked about her mother, the girl said she was sleeping.

Although the neighbors said at least five people lived in the apartment, no one answered the door when they knocked repeatedly at the girl’s home.

Finally, a man came out of the apartment, but said no one else was home and “I just sleep there.”

After a CYS worker arrived, they were able to make contact with Sipe in the apartment. Because she had warrants for her arrest, she was taken into custody.

While inside, the officers saw a sink full of dishes, bugs on the floor and dirty clothes everywhere.

When the CYS worker asked where the girl sleeps, she said “back here but Steven and Christina are sleeping right now.”

The CYS worker knocked loudly on the door, awakening the people inside. The room had garbage all over the bed with dirty clothes and blankets.

The criminal complaint in the second case details how on Oct. 21 Sipe was caught walking out of a local store holding a large purse. Surveillance footage showed her taking items out of their packaging and putting them in her purse.

When she was questioned by police, Sipe denied shoplifting. A search of the purse uncovered a small bag of methamphetamine, and a glass pipe in addition to a thick stack of greeting cards, hairpieces, eyeliner and other items. In all she had 73 items that were stolen from the store.

State police at Clearfield

• State police arrested a 60-year-old Madera man for a drug-related DUI Tuesday in the 1200 block of Vulcan Road in Bigler Township. Charges are currently pending at this time.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a camp burglary that occurred between June 21 and July 5 off a dirt road along the McLaughlin Parkway in Huston Township. During the incident, someone allegedly forced entry and removed $500 worth of hand tools; a heavy-duty CAT battery; a cast iron skillet; a 100-gallon gas tank; and approximately 50 gallons of gasoline. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a theft that occurred June 14 at the Lowe’s store in Clearfield. During the incident, a male entered the store, selected an item and allegedly presented it for a return when it hadn’t previously been purchased. Police are continuing their investigation with charges currently pending.

Tyler Jamal Newman (Photo provided to GANT News partner WJAC-TV by Clearfield County Jail)

CLEARFIELD – A Gifford man who robbed two local convenience stores pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Police say Tyler Jamal Newman, 19, held a gun on employees of the Sheetz store on the Clearfield Shawville Highway in Lawrence Township around midnight on Feb. 11 and at the Kwik Fill in Cooper Township a few minutes later in the early morning hours of Feb. 12.

Newman pleaded guilty to a total of four counts of robbery, and two counts each of terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person. President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman sentenced him to a total of four to eight years in state prison.

Ammerman noted that Newman is waiting to be sentenced on additional charges in other counties and for a robbery in Elk County.

Prior to sentencing, Newman apologized “for bringing crime to this county” and said he wanted the victims to know he was sorry.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Lawrence Township police were called to the Sheetz store at 11:55 p.m. on Feb. 11.

The victim was tending the cash register when a man, later identified as Newman, approached and put two items on the counter.

She rang both of the times up and then saw the man holding a handgun close against himself with the barrel of the gun on the counter.

He was staring at her and held out his left hand with the palm facing up. He made a beckoning hand gesture then told her to empty the register.

The victim replied “are you kidding me?” The man then stared at her, put his gun under his jacket and left the store.

At 12:05 a.m., state police were called to the Kwik Fill in Cooper Township for an armed robbery.

The victim at this store said that a man brandished what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun, pointed it at him and said “give me all the money in the resister. Don’t worry. I’m not going to shoot you. It’s nothing personal.”

The victim handed him the money, which was almost $300 in cash.  Newman also asked for a pack of cigarettes and then said “not to be greedy, but give me a Bic lighter too.”

Newman fled the scene in a silver Nissan Xterra, possibly heading south onto State Route 53.

At about 12:58 a.m., police made contact with the vehicle at a truck stop in Snow Shoe. Newman, who matched the description given by the victims, was sitting in the car.

Inside the vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Ridgway, they found a silver and black BB gun and $286.

During an interview with police, Newman confessed to committing both robberies.

According to online court documents, Newman is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 in McKean County in three different theft cases, two of which involve unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

In Elk County, he is charged with robbery of a motor vehicle, robbery, aggravated assault, theft, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, all from Feb. 11. Court records indicate he has entered a plea on these charges.

Brandon J. Kifer (Photo by GANT News Editor Jessica Shirey)

CLEARFIELD – A Morrisdale man found with over 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Clearfield Wal-Mart parking lot was found guilty Wednesday on drug delivery and possession charges.

Brandon J. Kifer, 38, was found guilty on the charges of felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, plus misdemeanor intentional possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia. He was found not guilty of DUI/controlled substance.

Jurors entered into their deliberations at 5 p.m. and returned with a verdict approximately 25 minutes later. Kifer remains incarcerated in lieu of $100,000 bail.

First Assistant District Attorney Ryan Dobo prosecuted the case on behalf of the commonwealth. Kifer was represented by defense attorneys Leanne Nedza and Steven Johnston of the Public Defender’s office. President Judge Fredric Ammerman presided over the case.

The charges stemmed from a welfare check that occurred at approximately 1:51 p.m. Dec. 7, 2018 at the Clearfield Wal-Mart Supercenter, according to testimony from Lawrence Township Police Chief Douglas Clark.

Clark said an initial call was received concerning a male who was passed out behind the wheel of his pick-up truck that was on the curb in front of the store.  Later on, he said police were notified the vehicle had moved and was located at the back of the parking lot.

Upon arrival on-scene, Clark saw the male slumped over in the driver’s seat with the vehicle still running, and officers had to bang loudly on the window for a minute or two before he woke up. “It wasn’t just a little knock,” he testified.

He said the male, now positively identified as Kifer, was lethargic, had slurred and raspy speech, a staggered gait, etc., and he appeared to be under the influence of something.

Officer Eric Routch said he administered a series of field sobriety and advanced roadside impaired driving tests, and Kifer displayed signs of being under the influence.

He also said Kifer admitted to having taken one Subutex pill and agreed to an evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert. DRE Elliott Neeper was contacted by Clark and asked to respond to the township police station.

Clark said Kifer was then placed under arrest for the suspicion of DUI, and he conducted a “pat-down” search for officer safety purposes.

He said in Kifer’s hoodie pocket, he found a rubber glove containing two baggies of a crystalized substance, which he immediately was able to identify as methamphetamine.  He also located a capped syringe in a front pants pocket and over $1,300 in Kifer’s wallet.

Based upon past drug enforcement experience, he estimated each baggie contained approximately one ounce. Because it was a large amount of the drug, he said it wasn’t just for personal use, adding users often sell drugs to support their habit.

During his drug examination, Neeper said he also observed signs of impairment as well as a substance in Kifer’s nasal cavity that glowed when exposed to light. In an interview, he said Kifer also admitted to having snorted Subutex, which was consistent with his previous finding.

He determined Kifer was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant and incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. He said Kifer agreed to submit to a legal blood draw and was transported to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital; however, the phlebotomist was unable to collect enough blood for laboratory testing.

Routch said while Kifer was being evaluated by the DRE, he weighed the seized methamphetamine to get a general idea of its weight. He said the department doesn’t have a “certified” scale, and it estimated Kifer had 61 grams of the drug.

Later, he said the methamphetamine was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Erie Regional Crime Laboratory for further analysis. Routch said the lab report indicated the drug was methamphetamine and weighed 53.33 grams.

Trooper Aaron Tiracorda said he was contacted to have his K-9 Tom scan the large sum of cash police found in Kifer’s wallet to determine if it had been in the vicinity of drugs. He said K-9 Tom immediately stopped and alerted when it reached the seized cash.

During her closing arguments, Nedza said the commonwealth’s case was riddled with inconsistencies and errors, and she asked jurors to find Kifer not guilty.

However, Dobo countered, saying these were all relatively minor and didn’t change the fact that Kifer was found passed out at Wal-Mart with a large amount of methamphetamine and cash in his possession.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a report of a controlled burn that was too close to a structure on East Pine Street. On-scene, the fire department assisted with extinguishing the fire.
• Police received a report about a couple arguing while walking in the area of East 10^th Police checked the area but were unable to locate anyone.
• Police received a report about a disturbance on Daisy Street. Police were able to handle the situation on-scene.
• Police located a male who had an active warrant on East Market Street. He was stopped by officers and satisfied the warrant.
• Police received a report about a theft from a Spruce Street residence. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a package from the owner’s porch.
• Police responded to North Fourth Street where someone had located a syringe. Police were able to properly collect and dispose of it.
• Police received a report about a barking dog early in the morning on Nichols Street. Police made contact with the owner who took the dog inside.
• Police received a report about a retail theft at a local business. Police were able to identify the female, and during the investigation, she allegedly admitted to removing the items without paying for them.

James Casey Lockett (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – An Olanta man has been accused of threatening to blow up Clearfield County’s Children & Youth Services office.

James Casey Lockett, 35, has been charged by Trooper Nicholas Wissinger of the Clearfield-based state police with a felony count of terroristic threats and misdemeanor counts of simple assault and harassment.

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

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Lockett was at a Houtzdale Borough residence on June 5 and had a confrontation with a CYS worker. He came out of the home “very angry.”

The caseworker told troopers that he made a phone call while on the porch and allegedly commented: “Don’t worry, the neighbors are going to get theirs.”

She said when he came back out again later, he asked her for her name and the address of her office. Then, Lockett paused briefly and allegedly stated: “We have to go in there and blow the place up. Call everyone.”

Daniel R. Peteuil (Provided photo)

DUBOIS – A Clearfield man will stand trial for possessing a large amount of drugs.

DuBois City police say Daniel Robert Peteuil, 43, had methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana when his vehicle was pulled over on June 6.

He is charged with three felony counts of possession of firearm prohibited, five felony counts of manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, five misdemeanor counts of intentional possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, selling controlled substance without known trademark and two summaries.

After a preliminary hearing Friday during centralized court, District Judge Patrick Ford ruled all charges be sent on to the county court. Peteuil remains incarcerated in the county jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

According to the affidavit, a vehicle Peteuil was driving switched lanes a few times while sitting at a red light on West Park Avenue. The windows in the car were tinted so no one could see into the vehicle.

After the officer initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle pulled into a parking lot.  The driver was identified as Peteuil, who claimed when he had purchased the vehicle the windows were already tinted.

The officer described him as shaking and being nervous with blood-shot eyes. He admitted that he was on state parole.

It was discovered during a routine check, that he had an active warrant from Nevada. He was then placed in handcuffs.

When he was searched, the officer reportedly found $1,430 wrapped in a rubber band in his pocket.

Peteuil’s story about where he was going and what he was doing was not making sense, police said, and after he was asked why he was shaking so badly, he responded that he “didn’t like handcuffs.”

When he was asked if he had anything in the vehicle the officer should know about, he said no, but would not give permission for him to search the car. However, he said he would give permission to a state parole officer.

After it was determined the warrant was only good for the surrounding areas in Nevada, Peteuil was released from the handcuffs.

The officer then asked Peteuil to perform field sobriety tests even though he stated that he didn’t take any drugs except for Viagra. He claimed his eyes were red because he had just gotten out of a pool.

A state parole official responded to the officer, advising him that Peteuil was on parole and not permitted to be in DuBois.

After a state parole agent appeared on the scene, she searched the vehicle where she reportedly found a large amount of cash in the center console and a loaded pistol. Peteuil is not permitted to possess a firearm because he is a convicted felon.

Peteuil was taken into custody and the vehicle towed to the police station. After a search warrant was issued, the vehicle was searched.

Investigators found over $45,000 in cash, two more pistols, ammunition and various drugs including 238.41 grams of cocaine, 349 grams of heroin, 58.32 grams of methamphetamine and over a pound of marijuana, according to the report.

Online court documents indicate that Peteuil had previous drug convictions in Allegheny County in 2015, Centre County in 2014 and Clearfield County in 2008.

(Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Borough Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with a retail theft investigation.

According to police, the incident occurred Saturday at the Clearfield Pharmacy & Gift Shoppe, and the pictured female is wanted for questioning.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this female is asked to contact Officer Miller at 814-765-7819 or 814-765-1533.

(Provided photo)

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a disturbance that occurred Sunday at the Bigler Minit Mart in Bradford Township. During the incident, a 21-year-old West Decatur man allegedly engaged in a physical confrontation with the two victims. He was subsequently arrested for DUI and harassment through the district court.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a local establishment early Saturday morning to assist with a medical emergency.
• Police received a report about suspicious persons that were near a vehicle at 2 a.m. along East Cherry Street.
• Police received a report about a motorcyclist driving in a careless manner along Linen Street.
• Police received a report of harassment in which someone talked about another person on social media.
• Police received a report about a loose dog on Dorey Street. It was located and taken to the Clearfield County SPCA.
• Police received a report about an unwanted male at a Williams Street residence. Upon arrival, the male was found to be under the influence; he was subsequently arrested and taken to the Clearfield County Jail.
• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft at Subway. During the incident, a male entered the establishment and removed two drinks from the cooler; he allegedly left without paying for them.  Police say he was from New York and arrested as a result of the incident.
• Police received several burning complaints.
• Police received a report about a loose pit bull on Elm Avenue. The dog was captured by neighbors and returned to its owner.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident July 9 at a Clearfield-Glen Richey Highway residence. Upon investigation, it was found it was over an ongoing, civil property dispute; there were multiple allegations made by the involved parties. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.

DuBois City

• On July 10, police observed four juveniles walking near the DuBois Middle School. When the officer was seen, they ran toward the soccer fields. The officer was able to catch up with the juveniles who said they were supposed to be at one girl’s house, but her grandmother let them leave. Police took them back to the residence, spoke with the grandfather and told them about the curfew violation.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male July 10 at the Community Guidance Center. When contact was made, he told police he was in search of small rocks that he could turn into arrowheads. Police advised the male that he was on private property, and the business would like him to leave, which he did without incident.
• Police received a report about a disturbance July 10 at the Salvation Army. According to police, a female said a male was calling her names. On-scene, he claimed the female was in possession of his property. He told officers she had a candy bar from a trip they’d taken together. Police advised the male to cease contact at the female’s request; no further action was necessary.
• Police received a report July 10 about a dog inside a vehicle in the Giant Eagle parking lot. Upon arrival, officers found the owner was with the dog, and everything was OK. No further action was necessary.
• On Friday police responded to a reported crash at the intersection of South Avenue and Wood Street. No injuries occurred as a result, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• While on routine patrol Friday, police observed a wanted male at the intersection of North Stockdale Street and East Park Avenue. Contact was made with the male and police were able to confirm warrants for his arrest. He was subsequently taken into custody and put in county jail.
• During the early-morning hours Saturday, police received a report about two individuals sleeping inside the laundromat, located at the intersection of West Long Avenue and South Jared Street. Upon arrival, contact was made and they were told they couldn’t sleep there.
• Police received a report about a male trespassing Saturday in the 200 block of Williams Street. Upon arrival, contact was made with the male and it was found to be a civil issue. Police cleared the scene.
• Police received a report about a theft Saturday in the 500 block of Liberty Boulevard. After officers departed from the scene, the victim called back saying the suspect had returned the items; they subsequently declined any prosecution for this incident.
• Police received a report of an argument Saturday in the 100 block of South High Street. Upon arrival, contact was made with those involved and police found it was verbal in nature. No charges will be filed as a result.
• Police received a report Sunday about a male who was causing problems at DuBois Penn Highlands. Upon arrival, officers were able to calm him down; then, they cleared the scene.
• On Sunday police were requested to check the welfare of a female who was sleeping on a bench along the 100 block of North Main Street. Upon arrival, officers learned she was having a medical issue, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment.
• Police received a report about a stolen bicycle Sunday in the 100 block of Chestnut Street. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police received a report about a male lying beside a vehicle and yelling Sunday in the Penn Highlands DuBois parking lot. Upon arrival, officers learned he wanted to receive treatment at the emergency room; he was assisted into the ER, then police cleared the scene.

State police at Ridgway

• A state police fire marshal is investigating a structure fire that occurred at 2:45 a.m. Monday at 628 Penn St., in Johnsonburg Borough, Elk County. Upon investigation, the cause of the fire is “unknown,” and damage is estimated at $150,000. State police say it’s currently unknown if the homeowner has insurance.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred Monday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter. During the incident, a 28-year-old Lanse woman allegedly concealed clothing, jewelry and other miscellaneous items on her person without paying for them. Charges are currently pending at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a reported trespassing incident along Leavy Avenue. The investigation is ongoing.
• Police assisted with a medical emergency along Turnpike Avenue.
• Police received a report about a couple involved in an altercation on Clearfield Street. Upon arrival on-scene, police found the altercation was verbal in nature.
• Police responded to an alarm along Reed Street. Upon arrival, it was learned that an employee had set it off.
• Police initiated a vehicle stop along Bigler Avenue. As a result, a juvenile and an adult male were allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Sandy Township

• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Friday on Sher De Lin Road. According to police, a 62-year-old DuBois man swerved to miss a deer, which caused his vehicle to travel off the roadway and hit a residence. He was transported from the scene by ambulance to a landing zone, from which he was flown to a trauma center.
• Police received a report about a hit-and-run crash Friday in the Pilot parking lot. According to police, a 27-year-old Louisiana man’s tractor-trailer was hit by another truck in the lot. However, the other driver left the scene without providing any information.
• Police received a report about a male who was threatening self-harm Friday. According to police, a woman text-messaged her mother and told her to call police because her boyfriend was intoxicated and had a knife. Upon arrival at the residence, officers made contact with the woman who stated her boyfriend was threatening to hurt himself with a knife. Officers found him in a back bedroom with an open pocket knife, and he was taken into custody and to Penn Highlands for an evaluation.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male Saturday in the Swanson’s Heavy Truck Repair parking lot. According to police, a witness said the male was walking around, wearing only a blonde wig, high heels and a shirt. However, he’d left prior to police arrival on-scene.
• Police received a report about a stolen cell phone on Saturday. The investigation is continuing.
• Police received a report about a dog that was inside a vehicle Sunday in the Wal-Mart parking lot. According to police, the caller said the vehicle was running, but she was afraid that it might run out of gas. The vehicle, however, was gone upon police arrival on-scene.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a camp burglary that occurred sometime between July 8 and July 10 on Stoney Lane in Pine Township. During the incident, a 43-year-old Coalport woman and two teens allegedly took a chainsaw and a .22-caliber, semi-automatic rifle. State police were able to identify the suspects because of a “well-placed” trail cam. Charges are pending completion of the investigation.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a commercial motor vehicle crash Tuesday on Interstate 80 at mile-marker 96.6 in Sandy Township. According to state police, the vehicle traveled off the north side of the roadway, where it crashed and overturned onto its roof in the median. Both the driver and his juvenile passenger were entrapped and had to be mechanically extricated from the vehicle, which closed the eastbound lanes of I-80. Once extrication was completed, both were flown to hospitals in Pittsburgh; the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about a disturbance on East 10^th Upon arrival, police found it was over the use of a vehicle, and the incident was handled on-scene.
• Police received a report about a suspicious person on South Fourth Street. Upon arrival, police searched the area but were unable to locate anyone.
• Police received a report about a 10-year-old juvenile who ran from a residence following an argument. Police located the juvenile and transported him back to East 10^th
• Police are continuing their investigation into a theft, during which someone allegedly removed a backpack of items from a Nichols Street address.
• Police received a report of harassment, during which a female was allegedly being contacted repeatedly by a male. She told police she wanted this contact to cease.
• Police received a report about a counterfeit $100 bill that was passed at a local business. The investigation is continuing at this time.
• Police received a report about an unresponsive male on Weaver Street. Upon arrival, police found he was in need of medical treatment, and an ambulance was summoned to transport him to the hospital.

DuBois City

• On Monday police received a report after drug paraphernalia was found on Hoover Avenue. Upon arrival on-scene, police located and collected it.
• Police were requested to call a male Monday in reference to an issue with a contractor. According to police, he’d signed a contract for sidewalk replacement in front of his home. He said the contractor was paid $800, work had started and he was later told it couldn’t be finished due to lack of employees. The male said they’d agreed he would be returned $600, which he hasn’t received yet. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report Monday about a disturbance in the 300 block of Olive Avenue. According to police, contact was made with a couple on-scene, and they were dissembling a toy Power Wheels car. The male said it was already broken, and he was trying to break it further into smaller pieces to put in his trash can. No further action was required of police.
• Police received a report about a domestic disturbance Monday on West Washington Avenue. According to police, it was found a male had hit the neighbor’s vehicle, dinner was still in the oven and the female thought he’d been drinking. When she confronted him about this, she said he brought up their past issues and became angry. However, police spoke with both and were able to calm them down.

CLEARFIELD – The three people nabbed in a June drug bust with a juvenile inside their vehicle were scheduled for preliminary hearings Wednesday.

Jeremy Gregoire and Alyssa McGarry, both 27 of Clearfield, and Gabrielle Reffett, 20, of West Decatur were arrested on drug, corruption of minors and related charges.

The charges stem from a routine traffic stop at approximately 12:47 a.m. June 23 on Palmer Street in Clearfield, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Officers Zachary S. Cowan and Elliott Neeper were on state Route 879 near the Red Roof Inn and Cowan saw a red Toyota sedan being operated by Gregoire and occupied by three others.

Gregoire was positively identified by Cowan, as he’d looked directly at the officer who was also aware that Gregoire had a suspended driver’s license.

The officers who were on a traffic stop cleared the scene and were able to locate Gregoire’s vehicle on River Road heading toward Clearfield Borough.

Gregoire turned right onto Mapes Avenue and officers followed until its intersection with Palmer Street, where he turned right and entered the driveway of a known “drug house.”

Police activated their emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop at the entrance to the driveway. Cowan made contact with Gregoire, who confirmed he didn’t have a driver’s license.

Cowan advised Gregoire about the lack of turn signal notification and asked him why he was at this residence. He told Cowan he was there because he didn’t want the police behind him.

The officer who was aware Gregoire is a known drug user through previous experience asked about the vehicle, specifically the numerous backpacks scattered throughout it.

Neeper made contact with the front-seat passenger who was identified as Reffett and Cowan with the driver’s side, rear-seat passenger who was identified as McGarry.

Both Reffett and McGarry are known drug users, police said. The passenger’s side, rear-seat passenger was also identified as a 15-year-old juvenile.

Neeper observed one previously-opened bottle of Budweiser in plain view in the rear passenger area. It was turned over to him and found to contain a half bottle of warm beer.

Neeper began asking about the bags, who they belonged to and if they contained anything illegal. Reffett related her purse was in a bag in the back-seat area directly behind her.

He was handed a tan-colored backpack and when he opened it, he located the purse.  The purse contained a digital scale, glass pipe with burnt marijuana residue and torch-style lighter.

When the purse was removed from the bag, he located a zipper pouch with two Clonazepam pills and one large, vacuum-sealed bag of suspected psychedelic mushrooms.

Reffett was asked to exit the vehicle, which she did. She was cuffed and placed in the officers’ unit, at which point she advised she wanted to cooperate.

Reffett allegedly told Neeper that there was still “a large amount” of psychedelic mushrooms inside the vehicle.

McGarry said she didn’t have anything illegal, that her only possession was her purse and she gave Cowan permission to search it.

Inside McGarry’s purse, Cowan found a prescription bottle in plain view that she indicated was a buprenorphine bottle she used to store an antibiotic.

He requested that McGarry turn over the bottle, which she did. He confirmed the bottle’s label displayed buprenorphine, and he discovered it contained 1.5 pills that were not buprenorphine.

Cowan said the pills were orange in color and were later identified as Clonidine Hydrochloride, which isn’t a controlled substance. Further search of McGarry’s purse had negative findings.

When the officers checked their information, it was found Gregoire had a suspended license and a warrant. All the individuals were subsequently detained and searched for the officers’ safety.

Gregoire was cuffed and patted down, at which point Cowan located a bulge in the right pants pocket that appeared to be a large sum of cash.

Gregoire said he’d recently sold his dirt bike and was paid in cash, adding he probably had around $1,300 on his person. The cash was later counted and totaled $1,445.

The cash was placed back in Gregoire’s pocket and he was escorted to the front of the officers’ unit. McGarry was detained and placed in the same location; the juvenile was asked to stand nearby.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a gym bag in the rear, passenger area that contained one large, vacuum-sealed bag containing two vacuum-sealed bags of suspected psychedelic mushrooms; a plastic pipe with residue; and a blue zipper pouch.

Inside the pouch, police found 12, .380-caliber bullets; two “fake cans,” which are commonly-used to conceal controlled substances, were also found in the bag. The “Rock Star Energy” container was opened and discovered to be empty.

Inside the “Arizona Mucho Mango” container, police found two plastic containers with residue, one glass pipe with residue, one plastic pen tube with residue and approximately 96 stamp bags of suspected heroin that displayed names, such as “Tasmanian Devil” and “Back Off.”

Police located a tan-colored purse on the front, passenger’s seat floor, and inside there was a plastic bag containing suspected crystal methamphetamine; a bag with residue; and seven new plastic bags.

Inside a blue gym bag that was located in the same area were various items along with a zipper pouch. Inside the pouch was a handgun that was unloaded with the magazine inside; it also contained one .380-caliber bullet and directions for a digital scale.

During an interview with Gregoire, he claimed ownership of the handgun and also related that there was another within the vehicle, but he wouldn’t provide its location.

Gregoire refused to provide any information on whom he’d obtained the drugs from but said he’d purchased the handgun from an unknown individual in DuBois.

When asked if he had the gun transferred into his name, Gregoire said no and that it was purchased through a mutual friend who he refused to identify.

Through interviews as part of the investigation, it was learned Gregoire, Reffett and McGarry had been in Room 222 at the Super 8 Motel and from which there had been drug sales.

Police said it was apparent all three individuals were involved with drug sales from both the motel and vehicle, as it was also learned that Gregoire was stopped while making a “drug run.”

Gregoire, Reffett and McGarry were found to be on probation and lodged in county jail. The juvenile was subsequently released to a parent/guardian.

Also, an officer contacted the motel and confirmed individuals had been present but had packed their belongings and checked out early, which was shortly after the traffic stop.

Because new information was received, towing services were contacted to secure the vehicle for the execution of a future search warrant.

On June 24, officers conducted further search of the vehicle, which uncovered a lock box containing a large quantity of new plastic bags, rubber bands and other items that are commonly used for the storage and sale of controlled substances.

Gregoire has been charged with felony firearms not to be carried without a license; manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; and conspiracy.

He’s also been charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; and corruption of minors, plus three summaries.

Reffett has been charged with felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and conspiracy, plus misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; and corruption of minors.

McGarry has been charged with felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and conspiracy, plus misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; adult/muti/dest label; and corruption of minors.

Gregoire, Reffett and McGarry waived their rights to preliminary hearings Wednesday during centralized court at the jail. Bail is set at $100,000 for Gregoire and $50,000 for both Reffett and McGarry.

CLEARFIELD – A Frenchville man has been accused of producing pornography of and sexually assaulting a girl he was babysitting.

Anthony J. Terrizzi, 56, has been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with felony aggravated indecent assault-complainant less than 13 years old and photograph, film, depict on computer sex act, plus misdemeanor indecent assault person less than 13 years of age.

Terrizzi waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. For this, his bail is currently set at $50,000.

The charges stem from incidents that occurred between Dec. 29, 2017 and Dec. 20, 2018 at the victim’s Clearfield County residence, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling.

Terrizzi was left alone to babysit the 10-year-old girl on several occasions, and allegedly used a cell phone to produce pornographic images and videos of her.  On one occasion, state police say he sexually assaulted the victim, which he made a video of.

In December investigators interviewed Terrizzi, and he reportedly confessed to the crimes.

Terrizzi was one of two Frenchville man arrested on child pornography charges late last year, according to a previous report. That case is still pending in the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas.

CLEARFIELD – A Woodland man is facing charges after police say they found homemade explosives and large quantities of drugs in his vehicle with his juvenile son inside.

Gene William Robbins, 39, is charged by Officer Zachary S. Cowan of the Lawrence Township police with a felony count of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver.

He’s also charged with misdemeanor possession of controlled substance, use/possession of drug paraphernalia, make repairs/sell, etc. offensive weapon and endangering the welfare of children, plus five summaries.

Robbins waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail is currently set at $250,000.

The charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. June 18 in the area of Fullerton Street in Hyde, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.

Cowan was on routine patrol and behind a silver-colored Nissan sedan, which displayed dark window tint and a burned-out brake light. After running the vehicle’s information, Cowan initiated a traffic stop.

When he approached the vehicle, Cowan saw its inspection had expired. He asked the driver to provide his driver’s license, registration card and proof of insurance, and the male advised he didn’t have any of these documents.

Cowan then obtained the male driver’s name and date of birth, and he was positively identified as Robbins. In his affidavit, the officer said he was also familiar with the defendant from his involvement in previous drug investigations.

Robbins was asked why he didn’t have any required paperwork, and he stated he’d just purchased the vehicle the day before from someone in Philadelphia. When asked for this documentation, Robbins provided a title that was still in the previous owner’s name.

When asked if there was any insurance on the vehicle, Robbins said he’d notified his insurance company of his plans to purchase a new vehicle but hadn’t provided any specific vehicle information.

Robbins reportedly appeared “shaky” and “nervous,” as he spoke with Cowan, and when asked about this, he related he had a “rough day.”  When asked about where he was going, Robbins said he planned to meet a friend at the Edgewood Apartments.

Because Robbins only provided his friend’s first name, Cowan asked for his last name, and at first Robbins claimed he didn’t know it, even though they’d been friends for years.

The officer eventually learned the full name of Robbins’ friend with whom Cowan is also very familiar with from having recently arrested him on drug-related charges, according to the affidavit.

After this, Robbins reportedly tried to change his story and began “acting suspicious.” Based upon previous information and the names involved, the officer suspected criminal activity was afoot; he subsequently requested assistance from a state police K-9 unit.

At this point, Officer Craig Kanour observed two ball-shaped, homemade explosive devices in plain view on the front, passenger’s seat. The devices were handed to the officers, and Robbins related he had a “trunk full” of fireworks as well.

Robbins opened his trunk but then refused to let police search his vehicle, however, and he and his eight-year-old son were advised to remain outside of the vehicle due to the explosives and for the officers’ safety.

Trooper Aaron Tiracorda arrived with K-9 Tom, which didn’t alert to drugs in the vehicle. However, Cowan felt this was possibly due to the large quantity of firework materials and contact was made with the State Police Hazardous Devices and Explosives Section.

It was determined that the two explosive devices weren’t legal and the PSP unit would respond to seize them. Cowan asked Robbins if the officers could search his vehicle for other explosives for their safety, and again he refused.

He was subsequently arrested for having a prohibited offensive weapon, searched and placed in a police unit. His son was released to family members who had previously arrived on-scene.

As part of the investigation, Cowan applied for and obtained two different search warrants that were executed on the vehicle.

The searches allegedly turned up two explosive devices; three cellular devices; a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine; one syringe “loaded” with an unknown substance; a container of plastic bags packaged separately with pills; a Tupperware container of approximately 90 stamp bags of heroin, one pill and one plastic bag of crystal methamphetamine; and one hotel key card.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Jan. 25, 2018 on Cataract Road in Karthaus Township. During the incident, a known person allegedly used the victim’s bank account without consent to make several withdrawals. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Monday on Company Row Road in Boggs Township. During an altercation, a 40-year-old West Decatur woman allegedly grabbed the victim by the arm and dragged her off a bed. Charges are currently pending through the district court.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred June 2 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. During the incident, a 53-year-old Shawville woman entered the store and allegedly proceeded to under-ring several food items, then left without paying their full retail value.
• Police received a report about a hit-and-run that occurred Sunday along state Route 879. According to police, a dark-colored pick-up truck side-swiped a van while both were traveling westbound side-by-side. The van was in the lane for the U.S. Route 322 off-ramp when the pick-up’s bumper hit its rear fender area, causing minor body damage. The driver then continued traveling westbound. No injuries were reported to police.

SANDY TOWNSHIP – The Sandy Township Police Department is investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman.

According to police, the woman – whose name isn’t being released at this time – was found deceased in a field, just off U.S. Route 322 in Sandy Township.

“Although the death is suspicious in nature, there is no immediate danger to the public,” police say. “The investigation is ongoing, and autopsy and toxicology results are pending.”

Police were assisted by the Clearfield County Coroner’s and District Attorney’s offices.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman has been accused of sneaking drugs into the county jail.

Candace M. Gillingham, 30, has been charged by Officer Zachary S. Cowan of the Lawrence Township police with felony contraband/controlled substance and possession of controlled substance/contraband-inmate.

She’s also been charged with misdemeanor false identification to law enforcement officer, possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gillingham waived her right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. Her bail is set at $50,000 unsecured.

The charges stem from incidents that occurred July 2 on Graham Street, then later at the county jail, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.

Officers received a report about a suspicious person on private property in the area of the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County. Upon arrival on-scene, contact was made with a female who was seated near the center’s shed without permission.

The female started to gather her belongings, which consisted of several backpacks and other items. She was advised she wasn’t permitted on the center’s property to which she claimed to be waiting for a friend she couldn’t identify.

She also told the officer she was walking, but the location was in the opposite direction. Cowan felt she was suspicious because her story didn’t make any sense; there had also been previous complaints of drug activity at a nearby residence.

The officer requested the female to provide identification, and she related she didn’t have any. When asked for her name and date of birth, she reportedly responded with “Clarissa Viehdeffer” and Aug. 23, 1990.

Cowan asked for the female to spell her last name and she hesitated but stated “Veidepher.” After he said that didn’t sound correct, she changed the first part to “Veih” but then asked to write it out and when she did, it was spelled as “Veidefer.”

The officer said it still didn’t seem right but proceeded to provide the information to Clearfield County Control.

He was also familiar with an individual by the name of Clarissa Veihdeffer, and he advised the female that he believed she’d provided him with a false name.

However, she denied this, claimed she’d been recently married and just couldn’t spell her husband’s last name. Cowan advised if she continued to provide the false name, she’d be arrested, but she still claimed the one she’d provided was correct.

When asked to provide her social security number, she claimed she didn’t know it. And when asked if she could provide some document or item to assist with her identification, she said no.

Cowan ran the provided information through a mobile tablet in his marked patrol unit. He found there were significant differences in appearance, and asked the female for her physical address. She was unable to provide it.

She was then asked if she’d ever lived in Woodland, and she replied only as a young child. The officer advised the name she’d provided came back as a Woodland resident, and that it was apparent she was lying.

The female continued to deny having provided a false name, and Cowan indicated that he planned to have her finger-printed, which she stated was fine. When advised again she’d face arrest for falsely identifying herself, she allegedly admitted her correct name was Candace Gillingham.

Clearfield County Control was provided with the correct name and date of birth, and Gillingham related there were active warrants against her.

This was confirmed by Cowan, who placed her under arrest for false identification and warrants through the township and Curwensville Borough police and the county’s Sheriff’s Office.

When she was taken into custody, a search of Gillingham’s property turned up numerous syringes, one spoon with residue and two plastic bags with residue, Cowan said. She was subsequently transported to county jail.

At the jail, Gillingham was asked if she had anything else in her possession, and she related the officer had found everything. Before Cowan left, he advised staff to contact him if anything else was found due to the large number of items with Gillingham.

Clearfield County Control dispatched Cowan to return to the jail after drugs were found on Gillingham. Upon arrival, he met with two corrections officers who said a pat-down search was done and afterward she was asked if anything had been missed.

Gillingham reportedly said no. When a CO took her into a separate room to change, Gillingham appeared to be hesitant. The CO said Gillingham had her back turned when she removed her shorts, and the CO observed something in Gillingham’s right hand.

The CO said they took the item, which was an “Accu-check” bottle with two plastic bags with one containing suspected crystal methamphetamine and the other one-half of a suspected buprenorphine pill.

Gillingham allegedly had the bottle concealed inside her shorts/undergarments. The CO said she tried to deny ownership and claimed she didn’t know it was there. Cowan subsequently seized the contraband items and obtained statements from both COs.

During a police interview, Gillingham admitted to having providing Cowan a false name due to having multiple warrants. She also admitted to ownership of everything in her belongings and on her person.

She said the bottle fell out because she didn’t realize it was actually on her. However, she agreed that she’d been previously warned that she’d face felony charges if contraband was found on her at the jail.

Chase Conway (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – An Osceola Mills man is wanted for missing a court date in his drug-related DUI case, announced Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. on Tuesday.

Shaw identified the fugitive as Chase Conway, 29, and said he failed to appear for Criminal Call on Aug. 29, at which time a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On June 13, Trooper Andrew Mills of the Clearfield-based state police charged Conway with felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and flight to avoid apprehension.

The trooper also charged Conway with misdemeanor resisting arrest, intentional possession of controlled substance, DUI/controlled substance, false identification to law enforcement and related offenses.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 12, Mills, along with Trooper Zachary O. Moran, responded to reports of an impaired driver at McAteer Village in Woodward Township.

The same male driver had also been found passed out in his driver’s seat at the Fuel-On store, which is located on Elizabeth Street in Houtzdale Borough.

A witness said the male had been passed out for an extended period of time, and when he woke up, he began driving toward the McAteer Village apartment complex.

The troopers located his red Ford F-150 there in the parking lot area, and it was still running. The male was observed in the driver’s seat, where he was reportedly passed out and sweating profusely.

When he was awoken by Mills and Moran, he was requested to provide identification. He related he didn’t have any on him and claimed his name was “Chase Couturiaux.”

When Mills ran his information, the driver’s license photograph for “Chase Couturiaux” didn’t appear to be the male. He was subsequently requested to perform multiple field sobriety tests, during which he reportedly displayed signs of impairment.

Afterwards, Mills requested for consent to search the male’s vehicle, which he denied. He was instructed to put his hands behind his back, and when Mills attempted to cuff him, he reportedly began running.

Mills said he ran for a short distance until he tripped and was taken to the ground by Moran in the process. Because he still refused to listen, Mills said he had to deploy his taser in order for them to take the male into custody.

While being transported to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital, the male allegedly admitted that he’d recently used methamphetamine. His vehicle was also towed to the Clearfield barracks.

At the hospital, the male continued to use the name “Chase Couturiaux.” However, after a blood draw, Mills learned his correct name was Chase Craig Conway, which was confirmed through a query for his driver’s license photograph.

Mills also learned there were multiple warrants for Conway for drug-related offenses. Conway allegedly admitted he’d been lying to troopers about his identify, and he was housed in county jail.

A drug-detection K-9 trooper later alerted during an exterior search of Conway’s Ford F-150, and a search warrant was subsequently prepared and obtained through Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.

On June 13, a search yielded suspected methamphetamine, oxycodone and buprenorphine pills and marijuana; a digital scale; several clear, plastic bags; multiple glass smoking pipes containing residue and a pill crusher.

The suspected methamphetamine and marijuana were both NIK-tested and showed positive for both drugs, according to the affidavit.

Conway’s blood was also sent for toxicology analysis and the drug-related evidence was also being sent to the state police’s Erie Regional Crime Laboratory for further analysis.

On June 19, a preliminary hearing was held and all charges were sent to county court. On Aug. 29, Conway failed to appear for Criminal Call, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, Shaw said.

Conway is described as being a Caucasian male who is about 6 feet tall. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with knowledge of Conway’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.”

State police at Clearfield

• State police arrested 26-year-old Cody Mills of Woodland for drug possession on Aug. 25. Charges were filed through the district court.
• State police arrested 27-year-old Fred Hockenburry of Morrisdale for a drug violation on Aug. 18. Charges were filed through the district court.
• State police arrested 34-year-old Jeffrey Paup of Flinton for allegedly trespassing Aug. 28 on a Church Street property in Gulich Township. Charges were filed.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Aug. 17 on the Bennetts Valley Highway in Huston Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took miscellaneous tools from the victim’s garage. The investigation continues.
• State police received a report about a retail theft that occurred Monday at the Dollar General in Huston Township. During the incident, a female entered the store and allegedly removed a pair of scissors, valued at $2, from the plastic wrapping, then used them to open a cell phone charger valued at $10. She left the store with the charger, state police say, and the scissors were left behind. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.
• State police received a report about a retail theft that occurred at Dollar General on Monday in Huston Township. During the incident, a female entered the store and while paying for a cart of items, she allegedly placed two boxes of Crush flavor powder packets in a bag of paid-for items. She then fled the scene after paying for the remaining items in her cart.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported that a traffic stop resulted in a drug violation Wednesday in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. According to police, contact was made and drug paraphernalia was seen in plain view. A search allegedly uncovered other items of drug paraphernalia that belonged to a 22-year-old Clearfield woman, Samantha Weber. She was subsequently taken into custody and to county jail. Charges were filed.