CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man was jailed Monday after he allegedly stabbed another man in the hand in Clearfield Borough’s West Side.

Gary M. Murgash, 30, was charged by Officer David Hoover of the Clearfield Borough police with felony aggravated assault; two misdemeanor counts of simple assault; misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person; and one summary.

Murgash was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Pat Ford; unable to post $25,000 bail, he was housed in the Clearfield County Jail. Murgash is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 during centralized court.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Clearfield Borough and Lawrence Township police responded to a reported stabbing at approximately 12:57 p.m. Monday in the area of Nichols and Weaver streets.

A witness told Clearfield County Dispatch that a man stabbed another man with a knife, then fled on foot toward the area of Turnpike Avenue.

Later, police learned the victim had been stabbed in his hand, and was being transported by ambulance to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital.

As officers from both departments arrived in the area, the witness flagged down Hoover. He identified the suspect as Murgash, who was known by the officer from previous incidents.

Hoover went to Murgash’s residence; however, he wasn’t there. When township officers went to the crime scene, witnesses said Murgash threw the knife into the weeds as he fled.

An officer then located the knife, which was used in the stabbing incident, lodged in the ground in the backyard of a residence on Nichols Street.

As they continued a search of the area for Murgash, borough officers proceeded to the hospital to speak with the victim and to check on his condition.

Hoover observed a laceration on the left hand between the victim’s thumb and index finger. It was about one-and-one-quarter inch in length; and his hand was cut to the bone, according to the affidavit.

Because Murgash was still at large, Hoover photographed the victim’s laceration and asked him to report to the police station for the purposes of an interview upon his discharge from the hospital.

Officers returned to the scene and took photographs of how the knife was found in the ground, as well as of blood observed on the sidewalk and porch steps.

While Hoover spoke with witnesses, he was directed to contact dispatch as soon as possible. The dispatcher said they had Murgash on the line, and he initially wouldn’t give his location.

Eventually, Murgash related that he was seated in front of a residence on Turnpike Avenue. Upon police arrival, contact was made and he was taken into custody without further incident.

During an interview with police, a witness said while he and the victim weren’t home, Murgash showed up at the residence screaming and kicking on the door.

He was asked to leave, which he did at the time.  The witness said his wife was able to close and lock the door, and she called and notified him of the incident.

However, when the witness and victim returned, Murgash was reportedly seen waiting out front. The witness said he went inside and the victim went to the back porch to have a cigarette.

He said Murgash started yelling, but at some point, he walked out of view. Because they thought he’d left, the witness said he and the victim walked out to the shed in the backyard.

While they were inside the shed, the witness said Murgash showed back up yelling that he wanted his “grinder” back. He said he told Murgash to go home because he was being disrespectful.

He said he also told Murgash he’d return his tool the next day; however, Murgash continued to yell and in the victim’s face. He said Murgash then “took a swing” at the victim, but he moved to avoid being hit.

He said the victim pushed Murgash, which caused him to fall down. After this, he said Murgash left but came back to the property about three minutes later.

This time he said Murgash “thrusted” a knife toward the victim’s face. However, he said the victim put his left hand up to block the knife, which caused the laceration. Then, Murgash fled.

The victim was interviewed by police and corroborated the witness’ story. He also said he “stood up” to Murgash because he showed up yelling, and this was upsetting children inside the residence.

In his interview, Murgash said he was upset because he wanted his grinder back that was in the witness’ truck. He claimed he used the knife to defend himself by holding it out in front of him.

Murgash also claimed that the victim ran toward the knife and slid his hand down the blade. He proceeded to demand for an attorney, so police terminated the questioning.

(Provided photo)

(Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with an investigation into a reported retail theft.

Police say the pictured female is wanted for questioning in relation to this incident, which occurred on Aug. 19 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. The suspect was last seen leaving in a red Ford.

Anyone with identifying information is asked to contact Officer Elliott Neeper at the Lawrence Township Police station at 814-765-1647/48 or 814-765-1533.

(Provided photo)

Mason Miles (Department of Corrections photo)

CLEARFIELD – The final inmate who was charged in an alleged drug-smuggling scheme at the Clearfield County Jail appeared for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Jessica R. Kyler, 36, and Eric J. Kyler, 42, both of Winburne; Justin A. Jordan, 34, of Clearfield; Mason Miles, 26, of SCI Somerset; and Chad A. Schwartz, 47, of SCI Huntingdon were all charged by Sgt. Julie Curry of the Lawrence Township police in May.

Miles was charged with felony conspiracy-contraband/controlled substance; contraband/controlled substance, three counts; conspiracy-possession of controlled substance, contraband inmate; possession of controlled substance, contraband inmate, three counts; conspiracy-criminal use of communication facility; criminal use of communication facility, eight counts; and related offenses.

Miles had all charges bound over to the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas for further disposition following a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Senior Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins.

Eric and Jessica Kyler, Jordan and Schwartz previously had their cases bound over to county court following their proceeding in May.

Prior to Miles’ hearing, Senior Deputy Attorney General David Gorman presented the transcript of Curry’s testimony given at that previous proceeding, and Miles’ attorney, Christopher Mohney, conceded to the testimony given under direct examination.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred Feb. 26 at the jail while several inmates were housed in the West Multi-Purpose Room, according to the previous testimony from Curry.

She said these inmates had access to a nearby isolation cell, and they dug a hole in the wall underneath the window that extended from the interior to the outside.

When she received initial information from Warden Greg Collins on March 1, he suspected contraband was being smuggled into the jail through the hole.

She said Collins told her that during visiting hours Feb. 26, Jessica Kyler arrived at the jail and was observed on surveillance approaching the window where the hole was later located.

She said the deputy warden proceeded to review phone calls between Jessica Kyler and inmate Eric Kyler, and discovered she was attempting to smuggle contraband into the jail.

However, the contraband reportedly became stuck in the hole, and Jessica Kyler had to leave, retrieve a screwdriver and coat hanger and then return to push the contraband into the jail.

Curry said Jessica Kyler was observed making repeated attempts to deliver the contraband. A search of the jail was conducted, but there wasn’t any contraband found inside.

She said prison staff found a black, winter glove outside the jail underneath the window. She said she collected this glove as well as a coat hanger, which was found in the East MPR on March 1.

According to testimony from Curry, the West MPR inmates were moved to the East MPR after the hole was located in the isolation cell by prison staff.

As part of her investigation, she was provided with several recordings of phone calls and a visitation between Jessica and Eric Kyler, which reportedly incriminated Jordan, Miles and Schwartz.

She said during the first call, Eric Kyler can be heard directing Jessica to “crush it up.” Later, he told her to “put it in the thing fast” and to “put it all the way in” but to do it after her visit.

“Jessica replied ‘alright,’” Curry testified. She said during the second call, Eric Kyler related to Jessica Kyler that the ink insert from a pen will stick out, so she’ll know where the hole is at.

She said Jessica Kyler appeared to be concerned about getting arrested over this. She said Eric Kyler insisted he wouldn’t “let them find it,” so she wouldn’t “get into trouble.”

During their visitation, Curry said Eric told Jessica Kyler again that it should be “real thin” and that the hole will be underneath the window, the brick will stick out and to look for the pen.

She said Eric Kyler can be heard telling Jessica Kyler that it will stick out an inch or two and “they said they stuck it out there.” Then, she said he went on to say he gets all the “Sara.”

When asked “all the what,” Curry said Eric Kyler stated “Sara” and “Quill” and told Jessica Kyler to “put them together.” She said Seroquel is an anti-psychotic that’s available by prescription only, and is commonly used by individuals addicted to methamphetamine who need to cope with psychotic episodes.

Curry said Eric Kyler also related to Jessica Kyler that the security camera “doesn’t point right there,” and then asked if she had the amount he’d asked for.

“As the visitation ends, he told Jessica: “This is the best time to do it, so hurry up,” she testified.

During the fourth call, Curry said Jessica Kyler related to Eric Kyler that she’s “going out now” and gathering up tools with “Chad.” She said Jessica Kyler later told him that “it’s stuck in the wall.”

She said during the fifth call, Eric Kyler stated they had a “bar stuck” and are trying to make the hole bigger. After some discussion, she said Eric told Jessica Kyler not to do anything until the bar is unstuck.

During the sixth call, Curry said Eric directed Jessica Kyler to hit the bar back through the wall, at which point she heard “hitting sounds” in the background.

She said Eric Kyler can also be heard yelling at “Justin” and others before giving Jessica Kyler further instructions.

After this, she said Jessica related that she had the straw all the way through, Eric Kyler yelled for “Justin” to see what’s going on and a male voice can be heard saying: “can’t see nothing.”

At one point, Curry said Eric warned Jessica that doors were opening and directed her to “just stop, leave it.”

She said Jessica Kyler told him that she was going to call “Chad” for a ride and when he directed her not to leave anything behind, she stated she’d left the coat hanger.

During the seventh call, Curry said Jessica Kyler can be heard telling Eric Kyler that she’s already been out there three times, she’s not going back and he’s so worried about his drugs, he’s now involved her.

Curry said Eric Kyler told Jessica Kyler to talk to “Mason,” and he (Miles) asked if she had another straw. Jessica Kyler replied “no.” After some more discussion, Eric Kyler told Jessica Kyler that he (“Justin”) didn’t get it.

At this point, Curry said Jessica Kyler was asked to make another one, and she can be heard asking “are they paying for it?” and if they are, “I’ll go pick another one up and do it.”

This, she said, is followed by some discussion of Jessica Kyler having left behind a glove and Eric Kyler saying he wished she’d come back for that.”

Jessica told him that she’d gotten rid of all the [expletive] that could link her to it,” Curry testified.

Under cross-examination Wednesday, Mohney asked Curry about the basis for her charges against his client.

She said during the seventh call specifically, Miles was heard on the phone with Jessica Kyler, and this was confirmed by surveillance video.

Curry also said Miles faced the same set of charges as his co-defendants because he took a “substantial step” in commission of the crimes.

During the final phone call, she said Eric told Jessica Kyler that the biggest reason for it was to say “thank you, we did make that happen.”

Curry said the cost to repair the interior and exterior jail wall damage was minimal and less than $100.

In his closing argument, Mohney said he couldn’t figure out why Miles was charged with 21 counts of crimes when the commonwealth’s basis originated from one phone call.

Mohney said most – if not all – of the charges against Miles should be dismissed.  “I think you need more than speculation of a conspiracy.”

Gorman countered, saying while Miles only played a minor role, he still took a “substantial step” in this drug-smuggling scheme. He also said his co-defendants, Eric and Jessica Kyler, have already agreed to plead guilty.

MADERA – The investigation is continuing into an aggravated animal cruelty incident that occurred in Madera.

According to a report issued by Clearfield-based state police, the incident occurred at 1:10 a.m. Thursday at an Oak Ridge Road address in Jordan Township.

Several people arrived at a woman’s home and two male suspects exited a vehicle with guns. One male aimed a shotgun at her and ordered her to “get on the ground,” state police say.

She proceeded to open her door to let out her dogs and scare off the suspects. One male allegedly shot both dogs, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

The suspects then fled the scene.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a burglary that occurred at 1:25 a.m. Tuesday at The Remedy Bar and Grill in Houtzdale Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly forced entry into the establishment, disabled a surveillance camera and broke into two PA Skills game machines. The total amount stolen was $425, state police say. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about a burglary Aug. 31 at a Gosser Road residence in Jordan Township. Upon investigation, it was learned a couple was there to remove belongings but was interrupted by the victim’s mother. The couple attempted to leave; however, their vehicle wouldn’t start. They proceeded to call someone for a ride and were gone upon state police arrival. Their vehicle was still on-scene and towed to the state police barracks, where it’s being held as evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a disturbance Wednesday on Lawrence Avenue. According to police, upon arrival on-scene, it was learned a previously-evicted tenant showed back up at the property that she wasn’t permitted to be on. Charges were filed through the district court.
• Police received a report about a retail theft Wednesday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. Upon investigation, it was found a 20-year-old Curwensville man was seen concealing deodorant and nicotine patches. The value of the merchandise he attempted to steal totaled $14, police say. Charges will be filed through the district court.
• Police received a report about a retail theft Aug. 29 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. Upon investigation, the suspects were identified as 27-year-old Brittany Sipe and 31-year-old Michael Daub, both of Clearfield. Charges were filed through the district court.

Sandy Township

• On Sunday police were contacted by a Hawk Run man who reported that his daughter had accidently left her phone in the restroom at Wal-Mart. When they returned to get it, it was gone. When they called her phone, he said someone answered and then hung up when confronted.  The phone was later returned to Wal-Mart; however, police say it was broken. The investigation continues.
• On Sunday police received a report about a 27-year-old Ridgway woman who called 911, saying that her 27-year-old boyfriend was holding her against her will and traveling on the Rich Highway in their vehicle. While she was on the phone with 911, police say the man turned the car around and transported her back to her mother’s house. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• Police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash Monday in Sandy Township. According to police, a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old New York man failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of Rich Highway and Interstate 80’s westbound off-ramp. This caused his vehicle to collide with a vehicle driven by a 31-year-old DuBois woman, which in turn overturned onto its side. Minor injuries were reported, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• On Monday police were contacted by a Kane woman who reported her vehicle was backed into by an unknown driver who then left the scene. According to police, a witness was able to obtain a license plate number for the suspect vehicle, and officers made contact with the driver.  The situation was handled without incident.
• On Tuesday police were contacted by a 25-year-old Anita woman who reported that while she was turning onto Industrial Drive, she was rear-ended by another vehicle. When she pulled over into the parking lot, the other driver left the area. Police say she was able to get the license plate information from the vehicle, and the investigation continues.
• Police reported a false alarm at CNB Bank on Tuesday.

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.

Editor’s Note: GANT has teamed up with local law enforcement agencies throughout Clearfield County to develop a listing of persons for whom there are arrest warrants. Anyone with information about wanted persons is asked to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. GANT will update its warrant page monthly based upon information provided by the participating law enforcement agencies.

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported that 29-year-old Chase Conway of Osceola Mills was located at the Osceola Minit Mart on Wednesday. State police say he was recently listed as a county fugitive due to having several drug-related arrest warrants. After a brief vehicle and foot pursuit, he was taken into custody, and additional charges will be filed through the courts.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Aug. 30 on Solley Road in Burnside Township. As a result, charges are pending against a Westover couple.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about two males who were involved in an argument at a North Third Street business. Upon arrival, police separated the males and advised them not to return.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male on East Market Street. The male reportedly went into a business, sat at a table and laid his head down. Police say he then refused to leave until their arrival on-scene.
• Police received a report about an incident of trespassing on North Fourth Street. According to police, a male returned to a residence he’d been evicted from. Upon arrival, police ordered the male to leave.
• Police received a report about an incident of harassment via social media. However, the matter was determined to be civil in nature.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male on Daisy Street. According to police, the male was seen walking into the backyard at a home, which alarmed residents.  Police searched the area with negative contact.
• While on patrol, police observed an intoxicated male who was reportedly urinating into a bush on Krebs Avenue. The male was arrested and released to a sober adult.
• Police investigated a Protection from Abuse order violation, which resulted in the arrest of a female on East Sixth Street.
• Police, along with the Clearfield Fire Department, responded to an automatic fire alarm at a West Locust Street residence. Upon investigation, it was found to be a false alarm.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a theft that occurred Wednesday at the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School. Upon investigation, the School Resource Officer (SRO) found a 14-year-old boy had stolen two cell phones. The SRO was able to recover one phone; however, the other had been disposed of. Police say the boy will be arrested for theft and receiving stolen property.
• Police reported an incident of DUI that occurred Aug. 13 on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. According to police, information was received about a suspicious female at Sheetz. Upon arrival, contact was made with a 25-year-old St. Marys woman who was under the influence of controlled substances while with her two children. She was taken to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital for a legal blood draw, and charges are currently pending.
• Police reported an incident of DUI occurred Thursday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. During a traffic stop, contact was made with a 41-year-old Clearfield man who police say was driving under suspension. The man was also allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance, and was later released to his wife who was with him and who had a valid driver’s license and wasn’t under the influence. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of access device fraud Tuesday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. During the incident, someone allegedly withdrew funds from the victim’s account via an ATM. Police say a suspect has been identified, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

HORNERSTOWN – A 34-year-old African-American male from Clearfield was shot in Hornerstown during the early-morning hours on Friday.

According to GANT News partner WJAC-TV, Johnstown police say the shooting occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Oak Street in Hornerstown.

The victim was reportedly driven to the area with the intent to purchase narcotics. A short time later, police say he ran back to the car after having been shot in the leg.

Police say that the victim lost a lot of blood and was left in critical condition following surgery at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown.

According to the report, a 30-year-old African-American male, Darryl Thomas, is connected to the shooting, and he is considered to be “armed and dangerous.”

There weren’t any reports about a shooting in the area, and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 814-472-2100.

(Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with an investigation into a reported retail theft.

Police say the pictured female is wanted for questioning in relation to this incident, which occurred on Aug. 26 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. The suspect was last seen leaving in a red minivan.

Anyone with identifying information is asked to contact Officer Elliott Neeper at the Lawrence Township Police station at 814-765-1647/48 or 814-765-1533.

(Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County Sheriff Michael Churner has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of Sept. 9.

Joseph Edward Charney (Provided photo)

Churner identified the fugitive as Joseph Edward Charney, 29, of 1247 Solley Rd., Westover, Pa.

Dubois City police have charged Charney with simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Charney failed to appear for Revocation Court on June 21, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Additional warrants were issued for Charney’s failure to appear for Revocation Court on Pennsylvania State Police charges for DUI and driving while license is suspended/revoked.

Charney is described as being a Caucasian male who stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and who weighs 160 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with knowledge of Charney’s location is asked to call the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office at 814-765-2641, Ext. 2152.

Callers will remain anonymous.

Assistant Professor of Engineering Daudi Waryoba, at center, explains to a student how robots will navigate a portion of the obstacle course for BEST Robotics 2019, during a preview of the course that teams received in the student union. (Provided photo)

DUBOIS – A national robotics competition for middle and high school students got under way at Penn State DuBois on Saturday.

An official kickoff event for BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics took place on campus, with nine schools and nearly 200 students participating.

During the event, teams received the parts they’ll need to build a robot and got an overview of the competition. They also got a glimpse of the obstacle course they’ll run with their robot during the official Game Day, planned for 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

The games will take place in the campus gymnasium and are open to the public. A Mall Day is also planned for 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, where the public is invited to take in a preview of the robotics competition at the DuBois Mall.

BEST provides all necessary parts and equipment for teams to build a robot that they can use to run a course and perform specified tasks.

The robot must be built within a six-week time frame. On the days of the contest, all teams will run the course, competing for the best times and course completion.

Through participation in this project-based program, students learn to analyze and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills.

The goal is to better prepare these students for further education and careers in STEM fields, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

During the welcome on Saturday, students also had the opportunity to hear from BEST Executive Director Michael Steiner. Steiner oversees the entire nation-wide organization, based out of Pittsburgh, including 47 hubs, more than 900 schools, and nearly 30,000 students participating each year.

“I’m delighted to be here and excited that the university is engaged, that the team is making every effort to help these amazing kids have a chance to get into engineering,” Steiner said.

“In 42 days, these kids will be completely different. This can change their lives. They’ll have to pull every single talent out of every individual on their team and bring them together, and that’s the point of the competition.”

Those talents Steiner referred to include those far beyond engineering and construction of the robot. The learning opportunities with BEST don’t stop at science and technology.

Teams also compete and receive awards for other areas of the project, which include marketing, exhibition, sportsmanship and team spirit.

During the kickoff day, students also took part in workshops where they were introduced to various parts of the competition such as the marketing portion, how to maintain an engineering notebook they’ll keep throughout their robot build and a session during which some students from each group assembled and soldered a circuit board for use in their team’s robot.

This year’s theme is titled “Off the Grid” and is based on a scenario where a natural disaster has taken out the supply of electricity to an area. In the simulation on Game Day, students must use their robots to repair the electrical grid.

Stephen Feldbauer is a senior adjunct faculty member in the engineering program at Penn State DuBois, as well as the director of Penn State DuBois BEST.

He said, “This year, the theme shows the students the importance of technology in recovering from a natural disaster. That happens to be timely, especially with seeing the coverage of Dorian in the news. So, it helps them to see that they are really doing something relevant.”

Schools participating in Penn State DuBois BEST this year are Altoona High School; Bethlehem Center High School; Cranberry Area School District; DuBois Area High School; Mentor Christian School, from Mentor, Ohio; Oil City School District; The Tatnall School, from Wilmington, Del.; Redbank Valley High School; and Redeemer Lutheran School.

Three top teams from the Penn State DuBois hub will move on to regional championships to be held in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 7-8.

BEST at Penn State DuBois is made possible by Platinum Sponsor Miller Fabrication Solutions, Silver Sponsors Atlas Pressed Metals and Comtec Manufacturing Inc., and Bronze Sponsor Eastern Sintered Alloys Inc.

CLEARFIELD – Attorneys for three men charged for their alleged involvement with a contraband scheme at the jail are all in opposition to joining their cases for trial.

Police say Eric Kyler, 42, an inmate at the jail, and Jessica Kyler, 36, of Winburne conspired to deliver drugs through a hole in the wall of a multi-purpose room at the county jail.

In addition, Justin Allen Jordan, 34, an inmate of the jail, and Mason Miles, 26, and Chad Schwartz, 47, both currently in state prison, are accused of being co-conspirators.

They are all facing various charges including conspiracy, contraband, possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of communication facility, institutional vandalism, criminal mischief and more.

During motions court Tuesday, discussion was held on a motion by the Commonwealth to combine the cases for one trial.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Dave Gorman, who filed the motions, argued to Judge Paul Cherry that the cases will present the same evidence and it would be less costly to do all the cases at once.

He noted that both Eric and Jessica Kyler have already signed plea agreements. They are scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 22, according to court documents.

This leaves only the cases against Miles, Schwartz and Jordan.

Attorney Christopher Mohney, who is representing Miles, objected to the one trial idea because he disagrees the evidence against them is the same. He stated that Miles was mentioned for a few seconds in a phone call.

Daniel Nelson, attorney for Schwartz, noted that the evidence against Schwartz “was thin” while the evidence against the Kyler’s was “strong.”

If the cases are presented together, Nelson said is likely all three men will be convicted on the “totality of evidence.”

Mohney noted that the jury may be in a position where they will be asked to believe one defendant and not another.

Although Jeffrey DuBois, who is representing Jordan, has just been assigned to the case, he agreed that doing one trial would be prejudicial to his client.

Nelson cited case law in a similar situation that Cherry said he will review prior to making a decision on Gorman’s motion.

According to the affidavits in these cases, Eric Kyler called Jessica Kyler numerous times from the jail in February while they were trying to arrange a contraband exchange. As per jail policy, the calls were recorded.

In the calls, Eric Kyler reportedly gives Jessica Kyler instructions on how to crush up drugs in order to get them through a small hole in the wall near a window in a multi-purpose room that was being used to house several inmates due to space issues.

The inmates allegedly broke a cot and used a piece of the metal to dig the hole to the outside in the mortar near the window of an isolation cell being used as a bathroom.

Jessica Kyler allegedly tried to get something through the hole from outside the jail wall at one point without success, leaving behind a glove and a coat hanger.

During the calls, Jessica Kyler mentions someone named “Chad” dropping her off at the jail and at other times says she is with “Chad.”

At another time while Eric Kyler is talking with Jessica regarding how to get something through the hole, other male voices are heard and he mentions both “Mason” and “Justin”, according to the complaint.

Jail records show that Mason Miles and Justin Jordan were both housed in that room on that date.

In the final call on Feb. 26., Eric Kyler tells Jessica Kyler “thank you, we did make that happen,” according to the report.

CLEARFIELD – A wanted Olanta man has been accused of trying to flee from state troopers and then taking methamphetamine into the Clearfield County Jail.

James Casey Lockett, 35, has been charged by Trooper Andrew S. Mills of the Clearfield-based state police with felony contraband/controlled substance and flight to avoid apprehension.

He’s also been charged with misdemeanor intentional possession of controlled substance, use/possession of drug paraphernalia and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, plus six summaries.

Lockett waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. For this, his bail is set at $25,000.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, at approximately 1:38 a.m. Sept. 5, Trooper John A. Bacher IV and Mills observed a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee without headlights.

The Jeep had an LED off-road light bar that illuminated from its grill area, and was headed south on McCartney Road near its intersection with Oak Ridge Road in Jordan Township.

The troopers activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver reportedly fled at an extremely high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued.

The Jeep traveled for approximately 2.2 miles, then continued onto Keagy Road where the driver exited the roadway into a field, just south of Glen Hope Boulevard in Bigler Township.

At this point, the driver got out of the Jeep and took off on foot. He ran for approximately 100 yards until troopers caught up; he then went to the ground and was taken into custody, state police say.

The troopers recognized the male and identified him as Lockett. He was found in possession of a small plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine.

Lockett advised he had an active warrant because he’d missed a court hearing in a terroristic threats case, which was confirmed. He was taken into custody and to Clearfield County Jail.

Before he was placed in the jail’s in-take room, Mills asked Lockett if he had any other illegal substances in his possession. He said no, according to the affidavit.

A short time after the troopers left the jail, a corrections officer called, saying a strip search was conducted of Lockett, which uncovered four small bags of suspected methamphetamine.

Troopers conducted a NIK test of the substance, which showed positive for the presence of methamphetamine. The evidence is being sent to the state police crime laboratory for further analysis.

In a separate case, Lockett has been charged by Trooper John A. Bacher IV with felony receiving stolen property and four summaries. Lockett also waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday in this case; for this, his bail is set at $5,000 monetary.

CLEARFIELD – A wanted Osceola Mills man has been accused of leading state troopers on a vehicular pursuit while he was intoxicated.

Chase C. Conway, 29, has been charged by Trooper John A. Bacher IV of the Clearfield-based state police with felony flight to avoid apprehension, two counts, and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer; misdemeanor DUI/controlled substance; and 11 summaries.

Conway waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail was reduced from $25,000 to $15,000 monetary.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. Sept. 4 in Decatur Township, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling.

Bacher and Trooper Andrew Mills arrived at the Nittany Minit Mart, and Bacher observed Conway in the parking lot. Conway had recently been listed as a county fugitive with a drug-related warrant.

Bacher proceeded to approach Conway, who was outside his pick-up truck at a gas pump. When he was ordered to stop, Conway entered his truck and Bacher attempted to remove him; however, Conway reportedly fled out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed.

The trooper returned to his patrol unit, activated his emergency lights and siren and a pursuit ensued. As Conway fled, Bacher said he disregarded traffic lanes on Walton Street; he then pulled into the Dollar General Store and started to flee on foot.

Bacher and Mills gave chase until Conway entered a very thick wooded area. During a secondary search of the area, Bacher said Conway was found hiding in some thick brush. He was ordered to stop his actions but reportedly fled further into the brush.

Bacher ran after Conway for a short distance until the brush cleared to a residential area. At this point, Conway was apprehended, and Bacher said he appeared to be visibly intoxicated.

Conway was administered standard field sobriety tests, which he didn’t perform in a “satisfactory manner,” according to the affidavit.

At approximately 12:37 a.m. Sept. 5, Conway submitted to a legal blood draw and results are currently pending.  Later, Conway was housed in county jail on the warrant.

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.

DUBOIS – Charges have been filed against a DuBois woman for allegedly storming into a relative’s home and attacking her.

Shelvey Jeanne Forbes, 65, has been charged by DuBois City police with felony burglary and misdemeanor simple assault.

The charges stem from an incident Tuesday at an apartment in the 500 block of Maple Avenue in DuBois, according to an online news release issued by city police.

Upon arrival on-scene, police say Forbes was secured in handcuffs on the doorsteps. Inside the apartment, officers located the victim who they described as being extremely shaken and disheveled.

The victim said she was in her chair when she heard someone open her door.   She said when she went to see who was there, she saw her cousin, Forbes, who then “stormed” in and assaulted her.

During the attack, Forbes allegedly knocked her to the ground, threw things at her and struck her in the head with a metal wall sconce several times.  She said her cousin also pulled her hair and dumped a soda over her head.

In the report, police say the victim complained of pain in her head, arms, sides and back but declined medical treatment.

Forbes was housed in the Clearfield County Jail on a detainer issued by Clearfield County Probation office.  Sandy Township police assisted at the scene.

Forbes is currently scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Nov. 1 before Magisterial District Judge Pat Ford.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a trespassing incident that occurred Aug. 25 on Trolley Street in Winburne, Cooper Township. During the incident, 21-year-old Devon Klingler of Winburne allegedly arrived at the victim’s residence and kicked in their door to make entry. State police say Klingler had previously been warned to move out and not return. Charges were filed through the district court.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Thursday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. During a traffic stop, a 28-year-old Clearfield man was allegedly found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of marijuana. He was released into the custody of a sober person and charges are currently pending at this time.

DuBois City

• Police conducted a traffic stop that resulted in a wanted male being taken into custody on Tuesday. According to the report, police checked the driver’s information and discovered he had a warrant through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s office. The driver, identified as Dalton Dickey, was transported to the police station and turned over to a constable.
• On Tuesday police received multiple tips regarding the whereabouts of Michael Wells, 36, of DuBois, who was wanted through the county’s Sheriff’s office. According to the report, upon arrival at an address, contact was made with individuals, and it was found that Wells was trying to hide from police. He was taken into custody, at which point police say a woman attempted to physically prevent his apprehension. Both Wells and the female were transported to the police station; Wells was released to sheriff’s deputies and lodged in county jail. Charges are currently pending against the female.
• Police received a report about a disorderly couple Tuesday at a West Long Avenue address. According to police, the caller said a male was smashing a vacuum cleaner in the sidewalk and roadway. They also heard a male and female screaming foul language from inside the home. Upon arrival on-scene, contact was made with the male who told police he was upset because his “stuff” was missing. Police say the couple will be cited for disorderly conduct; the male was directed to clean up the sidewalk and roadway.
• Police received a report of excessive noise Tuesday on West Long Avenue. According to police, upon arrival on-scene, contact was made with a male and his family who were so loud, they could be heard across the roadway. They were advised of the numerous noise complaints throughout the day and requested to quiet down. Police also advised if the problem persisted, it would result in citations.

Sandy Township

• Police received a report about a vehicle that had been crashed into a yard Wednesday on Salada Road. Upon investigation, the vehicle was found to be stolen out of Pittsburgh.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• On Thursday police were contacted by a tractor-trailer driver who reported that he hit two bears while traveling along the Behringer Highway.
• Police received a report about a two-vehicle collision Thursday in Sandy Township. According to police, a vehicle driven by a 69-year-old DuBois man was stopped on the Watson Highway. Then, a vehicle driven by a 43-year-old Ebensburg man swerved around him, as he turned his vehicle, causing the collision.
• On Thursday police were contacted by a 47-year-old Circle Road woman who reported she’d left her purse in a shopping cart at Wal-Mart. Employees called saying that it was found; however, when she claimed it, she said her identification and cash were missing.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police received a report about a motor vehicle crash Thursday in Sandy Township. According to police, a 31-year-old DuBois woman lost control of her vehicle while traveling on Tannery Row Road. She said the throttle became stuck and she was unable to stop the vehicle, which traveled over an embankment into a creek bed. Police say the vehicle sustained minimal damage, but was towed from the scene.  No injuries were reported in the crash.

Scott C. Good (Provided photo)

HARRISBURG — More than 100 charges were filed against a Centre County contractor after a grand jury investigation found that he underpaid workers by more than $64,000 in wages and benefits for at least five years, announced Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Friday.

The charges were filed against Scott C. Good, 56, of State College, the owner of Goodco Mechanical Inc., a mechanical contractor based in Centre County and who worked on public works projects in Clearfield, Centre and other Pennsylvania counties.

The charges are the result of a 21-month statewide grand jury investigation that originated from allegations of theft of wages and benefits from employees on a $16 million public works project in Clearfield County for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 2014, according to a news release issued by the AG’s office.

The investigation found that Good and Goodco violated prevailing wage laws by underpaying wages and claiming unlawful benefits credits on the Clearfield County PennDOT project, as well as other prevailing wage projects since at least 2010, according to the release.

In the release, Shapiro said Good previously worked as vice president for Allied Mechanical and Electrical Inc.  In 2006, he said the company was found to be in violation of Pennsylvania prevailing wage laws, and was sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for the same practice that Good is accused of operating at Goodco.

“Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage laws are designed to protect workers and ensure an even playing field in the bidding process for government contracts,” said Shapiro.  “The defendants are charged with violating these laws and cheating our hardworking laborers out of thousands of dollars in wages and benefits.”

Shapiro continued: “Scott Good already knew that his conduct was illegal because his former company was sanctioned for similar violations more than a decade ago, yet he brazenly flouted the law again and continued the scheme at Goodco.”

“Clearfield County laborers deserve to be paid fairly for their hard work,” said District Attorney William Shaw Jr. “The defendants allegedly took advantage of their workers and violated prevailing wage laws by operating a misclassification scheme inside the company.

“My office will work alongside the Attorney General’s office to hold Scott Good and Goodco accountable for their crimes and deliver results for the workers he underpaid.”

The grand jury found that Good directed journey electricians and plumbers to record portions of their work hours as lower paid laborers, according to the release.

For example, a certified electrician who worked for 10 hours in one day would be directed to report nine hours of work as an electrician and one hour as a laborer. Laborers are paid $20 less an hour than electricians, according to the release.

The grand jury also reportedly found that Goodco reduced the total amount they had to pay towards fringe benefits by crediting itself hourly vacation benefits that employees didn’t use.  As a result, workers were reportedly paid the incorrect rate and also had money withheld from their benefits.

The grand jury believes that Goodco underpaid their employees by more than $200,000 since 2010, but due to the Statute of Limitations, could only charge for underpaying more than $64,000 over five years, according to the release.

“Through this scheme, Good was able to reduce labor costs and bid for projects that had lower wage and fringe benefits costs,” the release stated.  “The grand jury also found that Good provided false statements about his misconduct while under oath.”

Good turned himself in on Friday, and his bail was set at $50,000 unsecured. He’s currently scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Oct. 23.

Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw, Jr. will prosecute the case with assistance from Chief Deputy Attorney General Nancy A. Walker and Deputy Attorney General Philip McCarthy.

PUNXSUTAWNEY BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – Two Punxsutawney residents are facing hearings this week on felony child endangerment charges based on an incident where police found two young children injured and living in “filthy” and “unsanitary” conditions.

Court documents indicate 42-year-old Jason Lee Myers, Sr. and 29-year-old Kayla Lynn Barnett, both of Punxsutawney, are scheduled to stand for preliminary hearings in front of Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3.

They each face two third-degree felony counts of Endangering Welfare of Children.

According to a criminal complaint, on Friday, August 23, Officer Miller, of the Punxsutawney Police Department, received a request to respond with Jefferson County Children and Youth Services (CYS) to a residence on South Penn Street based on information that two young children, ages one and three, were living in abusive and unsanitary conditions at the residence.

The complaint notes that it was reported to CYS that the children were subjected to unnecessary medication if they do not fall asleep and were subjected to physical abuse if they cried. The living conditions inside the residence were reported to “be trashed,” have an odor, and have dirty diapers in the children’s rooms. The referral also stated the children wake hungry and were given a popsicle for breakfast and are not fed again until dinner. It also alleged that the one-year-old’s door is locked shut from the outside each night from 8:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Officers met with Kayla Barnett at the residence and explained the report. Barnett reported that her significant other, Jason Myers, was not currently home.

According to the complaint, the conditions inside the house were “filthy” with an odor emanating from it and unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside, including animal feces strewn on the floor, uncleaned linens and clothing scatters through the children’s rooms, old food with what appeared to be mold on the stove, and dirty dishes piled on the counter. The officers also observed power tools and sharp objects within easy reach of the children and soiled diapers stacked in the corner of the bathroom by the tub.

Police also found an outside door lock latch on the outside of the one-year-old child’s bedroom and noted paint scratch and wear markings around the latch and door frame indicating it was frequently used.

The floors appeared to have never been cleaned or sanitized, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, both children appeared to be untidy and dirty, with heavily soiled diapers, sagging from being weighted down by urine.

The three-year-old child was noted to have a variety of wounds, including a blister on her foot, scratches, red abrasions and bruising on the middle of her back, not in a normal area where a child her age could self-inflict accidental injury.

The one-year-old child had a blister on his toe and scarring from what appeared to be previous injuries.

Multiple CYS workers were summoned to help the children who both suffered from rashes around their genitals due to improper or total lack of cleaning and changing, according to the complaint.

The complaint states “it was apparent that neither Barnett or Myers were providing the children with needs, such as dry diapers and basic hygiene.”

Both children were taken into emergency protective custody for their safety and placed with a foster family.

The complaint notes that on August 28, Officer Miller received information that the three-year-old child was seen by a dentist, and it was found that she suffered severe tooth decay.

According to the complaint, both Myers and Barnett admitted they were aware of the child’s dental needs, as they were informed the child would need tooth repair in March 2019. Four months had passed before Barnett made an appointment. The dentist that examined the child confirmed the child will now require surgery due to the decay due to the parents not taking care of her teeth, including allowing her to drink sugary drinks around the clock and not brushing her teeth.

The charges were filed against each Barnett and Myers through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on September 3.

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