State police at Clearfield

• State police conducted a traffic stop that resulted in a drug violation Nov. 16 in the area of the Drane Highway and Goss Cemetery Road in Decatur Township. According to state police, a vehicle crossed the centerline multiple times and a traffic stop was initiated. Contact was made with the driver – an 18-year-old female from Sandy Ridge – and when the odor of marijuana was detected, she reportedly admitted to having recently smoked it. She was administered standard field sobriety tests, then placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. State police transported the female to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital for a legal blood draw, which has confirmed she was under the influence of marijuana. Charges will be filed through the district court.
• State police received a report about an assault Friday on Muller Street in Curwensville Borough. During a domestic incident, a 59-year-old Curwensville man allegedly assaulted and caused injuries to a 52-year-old Curwensville woman. State police arrested the man on charges of simple assault and harassment, at which point he was taken into custody and lodged in Clearfield County Jail to await arraignment.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a burglary Dec. 18 on Copenhaver Road in Washington Township. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a Samsung 60-inch flat screen television, Samsung sound bar and White Water dispenser. The investigation is continuing at this time, and anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.

Clearfield Borough

• Lawrence Township police were assisted at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Clearfield, with a female who had warrants through Clearfield Borough police.
• Police received a noise complaint Friday on Clearfield Street. Officers made contact with those involved and told them to keep the noise down.
• Police received a report about a missing male who made comments about self-harm. Police say he was later located and transported to the hospital.
• Police received a report about a fraudulent use of a credit card. Police urge residents to closely monitor their bank and credit card accounts during the holiday season.
• Police received a report about people bullying a juvenile by throwing snowballs at them.
• Police received a report about two females being involved in a fight on Bigler Avenue. Upon investigation, it was found one female had an active warrant through South Carolina. She was taken into custody and to the Clearfield county Jail.
• Police received a report about an alleged theft of a package from a business on Boyer Street.
• Police conducted a traffic stop and learned the passenger had an active warrant. Officers subsequently served the warrant on the female.

Curwensville Borough

• Police received a report about a trespassing incident on Glen Street. Police would like to remind people not to drive through residents’ yards, or they will be charged accordingly.
• Police assisted emergency personnel with a landing zone at the Curwensville High School following a crash that occurred outside of their jurisdiction.
• Police received a report about a contractor who allegedly left work unfinished in the area. The investigation is continuing at this time.
• Police received a report about fraud from a resident in Ottawa, Canada. According to police, the male said he paid for a vacation home and found the transaction was fraudulent. He said the phone number originated from the Curwensville area. Police are continuing their investigation, and encourage residents not to provide personal or financial information over the phone.
• Police received a report from a local resident who said he’d been followed by another male in a silver Ford car. However, that male claimed he was the one being followed.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman convicted for inappropriate contact with a student at the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center was sentenced to probation Monday.

In September a jury found Edna M. Spencer, 60, guilty of misdemeanor indecent assault and corruption of minors.

After hearing from family members and noting that he had never seen such an “outpouring of support” for anyone including 25 letters, Judge Paul Cherry sentenced her to two years probation.

She is prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18 and must complete the Project Point of Light program.

It was noted that she has no prior criminal record.

Spencer was charged in connection with an incident at the CCCTC on March 15, 2018 when she touched a 17-year-old student in the culinary arts locker room and made a sexual comment, according to testimony at the trial.

The victim testified that the encounter was “creepy” and made her feel uncomfortable.

Two other students also testified during the trial that Spencer would call them “sexy” and touch them while they were cooking.

At the time, Spencer was an aide at the school. For more information on the trial, click here.

Prior to sentencing, Spencer’s 19-year-old daughter spoke in defense of her mother saying her friends “never felt uncomfortable around my mom.”

Spencer’s husband of 25 years also addressed the court defending her.

“She is one of the most honest people I know,” he said. He noted she was diagnosed with cancer and “she’s been a trooper with that.”

He asked Cherry to consider their family and the hardships they have suffered recently. They could have had 100 more people write letters of support for her, he said.

“I know in my heart, the charges didn’t happen in the way presented,” he said.

Cherry said the jury rendered their verdict and it did not matter if she admitted to the act or not.

Spencer’s sentence includes the stipulation that she register with law enforcement under Megan’s Law, but her attorney, Chris Mohney asked Cherry to place a stay on that requirement because of pending litigation that the offender registration is unconstitutional. A Supreme Court decision on this is expected early in 2020.

Cherry granted Mohney’s request.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman is accused of having an outburst during court and spitting on corrections staff at the Clearfield County Jail.

Elizabeth J. Evans, 18, is charged by Lawrence Township police with three counts each of felony aggravated harassment by prisoner and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Evans waived her right to a preliminary hearing Monday during centralized court at the jail. For this, she remains incarcerated in lieu of $25,000 bail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Officer Elliott Neeper was alerted to a disturbance in Courtroom No. 1 while at the jail for court Dec. 11.

An inmate, Evans, was observed being removed by multiple corrections officers in handcuffs and shackles. She was screaming, which reportedly interrupted court proceedings.

Upon investigation, it was found Evans complained about the shackles hurting her, so a CO attempted to fix them once she sat down in the courtroom.

Evans was able to “slip” her shackles and throw herself on the floor where she began to kick and scream. Additional COs responded to help regain control of Evans who refused all orders, police say.

At one point, she allegedly spit on a CO after which she was completely restrained and removed by jail staff.

Neeper also spoke with Warden Greg Collins, who reported two other incidents that involved Evans on Dec. 2 and Dec. 5.  Both times, he said, she had outbursts and spit on jail staff.

CLEARFIELD – Another one of the five people involved with a Houtzdale drug ring that was bringing in an estimated $1.5 million worth of drugs from Ohio pleaded guilty Monday in Clearfield County Court.

Kenneth Robert Quade, 32, whose address is listed as Chester, was arrested following a September of 2018 search warrant was served on the Houtzdale home of Sandra McQuillen, 54, who was suspected of bringing drugs from Akron, Ohio on a regular basis.

Quade, who was at the McQuillen residence, had in his possession one 8-ball of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

At that time officials found 12 ounces of methamphetamine, a quantity of marijuana, a notebook describing previous deals and over $500 in her home, according to a report.

In an interview with investigators, Quade admitted to selling meth and said his source was McQuillen. He also admitted to traveling to Ohio with McQuillen and others to get more meth.

On Monday, Quade pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced by Judge Paul Cherry to 12 months to three years in state prison and five years probation.

It was noted that he is required to continue to cooperate with the commonwealth in this case.

According to grand jury testimony, McQuillen, and her fiancé, Donald Mullens, brought up to 10,000 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs from a contact in Ohio.

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

Mullen and or McQuillen reportedly traveled to Ohio on approximately 26 occasions in 2018.

After Mullens died from a drug overdose in May of 2018, McQuillen continued providing drugs to Joyce Lee Merritts, 33, and her husband, Jason Lynn Merritts, 38, who were selling them from their Clearfield apartment.

On July 26, 2018, law enforcement officers followed McQuillen and another individual to Akron where she met with James Thomas. She purchased meth and other drugs for $3,800, according to the report.

She was followed back to Clearfield County, at which time investigators executed a search warrant on her vehicle.

Officers reportedly found one-third of a pound of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana and pills suspected to be prescription medications in the vehicle.

From her home, police allegedly seized $10,000, drug paraphernalia and multiple phones.

A search warrant executed at Thomas’ residence the same day uncovered four ounces of meth, almost 200 grams of cocaine/crack and marijuana.

In the barber shop where he worked, police found two pounds of meth, over four ounces of cocaine and almost three pounds of marijuana.

The grand jury learned that Thomas admitted he met with McQuillen on the day she was stopped by police through prison telephone calls.

He further admitted that he should have stopped “doing things” with McQuillen after Mullens died.

In July, Joyce Merritts pleaded guilty and was placed in the state intermediate punishment program for a period of two years, which will be followed by eight years of probation.

In February, Jason Merritts pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3½ years to seven years in state prison followed by 10 years consecutive probation by Cherry.

McQuillen has also signed a plea agreement on several drug charges but her sentencing scheduled in September has been continued with no new date set.

Thomas is charged with 12 counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of communication facility, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and knowledge that property is proceeds of illegal act, all felonies.

His case is listed as inactive in online court documents.

(Provided photo)

MINERAL SPRINGS – State police at Clearfield are seeking information regarding a motor vehicle theft that occurred in Bradford Township, Clearfield County.

Sometime between 10 p.m. Sunday and 5 a.m. Monday, state police say a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pick-up truck was stolen from the 300 block of Main Street in Mineral Springs.

According to state police, the truck is gray, but has a slightly different paint color around the rear wheel wells. It also has a dent in the right side of its bed.

The truck displays a “Trump for Coal” sticker on its bumper, and it doesn’t have running boards or a bed cover. Its license plate number is DV92585, state police say.

Its contents reportedly consisted of a Tikka hunting rifle, Nikon and Bushnell binoculars, a GPS tracker, Marine portable radios, ammunition and miscellaneous tools.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Dec. 17 on Stumptown Road in Decatur Township. During an argument, a 21-year-old Osceola Mills man allegedly punched the victim in the head.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Dec. 12 on Palestine Road in Graham Township. During the incident, known persons allegedly used the victims’ bank account information to pay for $1,700 worth of bills. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• State police received a report about an assault Dec. 22 on Lyleville Road in Beccaria Township. According to state police, a Flinton couple was engaged in a domestic, and charges were filed through the district court.

State police at DuBois

• State police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Monday along the Rockton Mountain Highway in Union Township, Clearfield County. As a result, a known male was taken to Penn Highlands DuBois for a legal blood draw; the investigation is ongoing at this time.

CLEARFIELD – Lawrence Township police are seeking information regarding a motor vehicle theft.

Sometime Christmas Eve or Day, police say a vehicle was stolen from a residence in the area of the 1200 block Martin Street Extension and Boyce Street, Clearfield.

According to police, the vehicle is a 2007 Jeep Liberty that’s silver in color. It displays an American flag license plate on the rear; on its front, a plate states: “sucking gas and hauling [expletive].”

The license plate number for the stolen vehicle is GJD-8272; the investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 814-765-1647/48 or 814-765-1533.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Friday on Dagus Mines Road in Fox Township, Elk County. During the incident, someone allegedly arrived at the victim’s residence and stole plastic Santa and Mrs. Claus lawn ornaments. Afterwards, they fled toward the intersection of Dagus Mines Road, Toby Road and Skyline Drive. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-776-6136.
• State police received a report about an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle that occurred Thursday on Boot Jack Road in Horton Township, Elk County. According to state police, the vehicle was located by Johnsonburg Police, and its driver was detained until troopers arrived on-scene. As a result, state police subsequently took a 34-year-old Johnsonburg man into custody, and he was charged with theft, drug and related charges through the district court.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a physical altercation that occurred Thursday at an Ester Lane residence. Upon further investigation, officers allegedly located crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and 33-year-old Derek Prince of Clearfield is facing drug-related charges as a result of the incident.

PUNXSUTAWNEY BOROUGH – Two local men are facing criminal charges after they allegedly forced their way into a woman’s home and then broke the window out of a man’s truck after leaving.

Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 24-year-old Sean Patrick Kennelley and 24-year-old Dane Forrest Bright, both of DuBois.

According to a criminal complaint, around 10:35 a.m. on November 30, a known female victim arrived at the Punxsutawney Borough Police Station, accompanied by two known men.

According to the complaint, the victim reported that Sean Patrick Kennelley and Dane Forrest Bright had forced their way into her Punxsutawney Borough residence and then forced her to the ground in an attempt to get to one of the known men. She stated that after several minutes of her forcibly kicking and shoving Kennelley, he got off of her, and she was able to get to her feet. Kennelley and Bright then allegedly retreated from the residence, and the victim then locked the door.

The victim went on to report that several minutes after they departed, the victim told the two known men they should check their vehicles. The victim told police that Kennelley had broken the windows of vehicle when he was angry in the past.

According to the complaint, they found that the rear lift gate window was broken out of the first known man’s 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, which was parked in the driveway. The second known man’s vehicle, which was parked behind the residence, was not damaged.

The victim and the two men were then asked to provide written statements while Officer Andrekovich ran the names of Kennelley and Bright through the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network. He found that neither had any outstanding warrants, and he printed out their driver’s demographics. He then showed photos of the men to the victim, who was able to positively identify them by name.

In a later interview, the victim reported that when Kennelley knocked at her door, she opened it because: “He was banging on the door so hard that she actually thought it was the police.” She then opened the door, but when she saw that it was Kennelley, she attempted to close it immediately. At that point, Kennelley allegedly forced his way past her into the residence, despite her repeated requests that he leave, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, the victim noted that Kennelley was highly intoxicated and yelling at the top of his voice about one of the known men. She also reported that he shoved her down onto the steps while yelling, and she was attempting to get him off of her, while Bright was also attempting to force his way past her in an attempt to get to the known man. She said whenever the known man got up and approached them, stating “yes, I’m here,” Kennelley became more angered, and got up and left the residence. She then waited a few minutes before deciding they should check on the vehicles because of Kennelley’s tendency to break things when he is drunk.

The two known men were also interviewed further.

The first known man reported he heard the victim telling whoever had banged on the door to leave and could hear the men yelling his name and comments about him. He noted he also heard the victim yelling for them to get off of her, at which point he got up and walked to the kitchen, where a verbal argument ensued between him, Kennelley, and Bright. He noted that after Kennelley and Bright left, the victim informed him that Kennelley has a tendency to punch things when he is drunk and said they should check their vehicles.

He went on to state that he then discovered broken glass when he walked outside. He said he thought at first that Kennelley had broken a beer bottle on his way out, but then he heard some glass falling and turned and saw that the rear window of his vehicle was broken. He told police he assumed Kennelley may have punched it on his way past.

The second known man also reported overhearing the yelling between Kennelley, Bright, and the victim, and noted he believed Kennelley was intoxicated. He reported he saw the first known man getting up and walking to the doorway between the living room and the kitchen, and stating that he was there, before Kennelley and Bright left the residence. The second known man also reported the victim told him and the other known man that Kennelley had a “history of punching things when he’s drunk” and insisted that they check their vehicles. He noted there was nothing wrong with his vehicle, which was parked out back, but went on to say the first man’s vehicle had a window broken, the complaint indicates.

The charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on December 11.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, with Judge Mizerock presiding.

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

A Jefferson County woman is facing felony charges after allegedly failing to report changes in income in order to continue to receive Medical Assistance benefits.

Court documents indicate the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General filed a third-degree felony charge of Fraud in Obtaining Food Stamps/Assistance against 48-year-old Diana L. Snyder, of Brockway.

According to a criminal complaint, an investigator for the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General received a referral form the Jefferson County Assistance Office (JCAO) regarding an unreported increase in income for Diana L. Snyder.

The JCAO had received an income match alerting them to an unreported increase in income for Snyder as a Medical Assistance (MA) recipient.

According to the complaint, a bank verification form verified deposits from withdrawals from her husband’s 401K account showed her income increased from February 2017 through July 31, 2018. The investigator obtained a certification of the deposits to her checking account to confirm the amounts were never reported by Snyder on her application for benefits dated February 2, 2017.

The complaint notes Snyder had an interview by phone with her caseworker who explained the need to report all changes to JCAO on her renewal application on January 28, 2018.

A referral was then made to the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General for fraud.

According to the complaint, Snyder was interviewed by the caseworker on January 28, 2018, and the Public Assistance Application Rights and Responsibilities statement was explained to her. She allegedly acknowledged she understood the rights and responsibilities to report changes by the tenth of the month following the month of any change to the the Department of Human Services (DHS) and that all information reported is true and correct under penalty of law.

The complaint notes Snyder signed an affidavit to accurately report all facts and changes on April 29, 2010, on February 18, 2012, on January 31, 2016, on February 2, 2017, and on January 24, 2018. The rights and responsibilities were also reviewed with her by a caseworker who will testify that Snyder understood them. There are also bank records to verify the dates of deposits and certified MA transcripts to verify the amount of benefits received during the overpayment period.

According to the OIG investigation revealed that Snyder willfully failed to report the increase to the Department of Human Services, knowing it would negatively affect her eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits, to obtain MA benefits totaling $9,215.43.

The charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Monday, December 16.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, February 3, with Judge Mizerock presiding.

A certified summons was issued to Snyder on December 18.

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

RIDGWAY TOWNSHIP – A Johnsonburg couple is facing animal cruelty and neglect charges.

According to Ridgway-based state police, Ian Benson, 48, and Amy Benson, 42, moved out of their residence in Ridgway Township, Elk County.

State police say the couple left behind their dog for approximately three months, and it was without “adequate shelter, food or water.”

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the dog had reportedly been sleeping on piles of garbage, and it also had “extremely protruding ribs, hip bones and vertebrae bones.”

State police say Ian and Amy Benson are facing charges through the Magisterial District Court 59-3-02.

BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Two local residents who allegedly stole approximately $46,033.41 from their elderly mother are scheduled to stand for hearings in court next week.

Court documents indicate 48-year-old Frederick Scott Baughman, of Summerville, and 50-year-old Alicia McCracken, of Brookville, are scheduled to stand for preliminary hearings in front of Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

The hearings were previously continued twice, on October 10 and November 5.

Baughman and McCracken each face the following charges:

– Theft By Deception-False Impression, Felony 3
– Receiving Stolen Property, Felony 3
– Other Reason Access Device Is Unauthauthorized By Issuer, Felony 3
– Theft By Failure To Make Required Disp of Funds, Felony 3

The charges stem from an investigation initiated in April of 2019.

Details of the case:

According to a criminal complaint, on April 13, Officer Turnbull, of the Brookville Borough Police Department, received a request to respond to a location on Pride Street in Brookville for a report of harassment of a known victim and her daughter, Alicia McCracken, by her son, Frederick Scott Baughman.

Officer Turnbull responded to the residence where he was met by McCracken outside.

According to the complaint, McCracken reported that Baughman had come to the residence earlier in the day and began to bang on the doors and windows attempting to get inside. She said Baughman was let inside and then threatened her and their mother, saying to give him money or he would take the car, which is the only means of transportation McCracken and her mother have.

The complaint notes the car had since been signed over to Baughman by the mother.

McCracken told Officer Turnbull she gave Baughman $150.00 of her money to get him to leave. She went on to note that her mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia and that she is the power of attorney (POA) and executive of the estate. She also noted that she and Baughman are joint medical power of attorney for their mother and disclosed that she had a fight with her Mother approximately a month and a half earlier, and Baughman had taken care of their mother during that time.

According to the complaint, McCracken reported she felt their mother had gotten worse and was scared of Baughman when McCracken took back over her primary care. She noted she requested a urine test from their mother’s primary care physician as she feared Baughman may have “done something to her.”

McCracken also explained that she had observed checks to be missing and her mother’s bank account to be very low and said she believes Baughman may have taken approximately $40,000.00 of their mother’s money with no legitimate authority to do so.

Officer Turnbull informed McCracken he did not believe the initial report of harassment was in fact harassment, as she could not prohibit Baughman from returning to the property since he is also a medical power of attorney for their mother and can use that as a reason to return to the residence. He also informed her that if she took her mother to her own residence, she would be able to tell Baughman to leave, unless a medical issue was occurring. Officer Turnbull also advised McCracken to contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to further assist with their mother in the event Baughman would take the car, as he had the legal right to do so, and further explained that AAA would begin an investigation into the theft and possible abuse while he began the police investigation so the agencies could work together.

Officer Turnbull told McCracken if she believed money was stolen, she should gather all bank records, signature cards, and all other asset-related information from the day she took over as POA. He also explained police would need medical records of her mother’s diagnoses along with the results of the urine test if it was abnormal.

McCracken agreed to get the records to the police department as soon as possible.

Officer Turnbull met with McCracken again on May 5 and reviewed bank records from May 2017 through March 2019.

According to the complaint, the review of the records found that the victim’s account had been used approximately 50 times at a local pharmacy totaling approximately $2,200.00, approximately 117 times at a local market for a total of more than $8,400.00, and approximately 58 $300.00 ATM withdrawals were made totaling approximately $17,400.00. There were also $4,553.41 in checks written to Baughman and his significant other actually signed by the victim for various expenses, which were endorsed and cashed.

The complaint notes the records also showed McCracken had issued herself approximately $6,700 in checks during the time period.

The victim was unable to drive during the time under investigation, according to the complaint, and medical records showed she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her medical provider also noted the belief she was incapable of making money-related decisions.

McCracken denied making any of the noted purchases during the time.

The complaint also notes that search warrants were served for McCracken and Baughman’s banking information which showed that neither party had the means or funds to repay the money to the victim.

According to the complaint, Frederick Baughman is accused of stealing approximately $21,933.41 from his mother.

Alicia McCracken is accused of stealing approximately $24,100.00 from her mother, the complaint states.

The charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Gregory M Bazylak’s office on Tuesday, September 3.

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

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Saturday on Scott Lane in Decatur Township. During the incident, a 20-year-old Philipsburg woman and a 24-year-old Morrisdale man engaged in a physical altercation, and allegedly subjected each other to unwanted contact. At some point, state police say a 66-year-old Philipsburg woman intervened, and was subjected to unwanted physical contact from the Morrisdale man.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a suspicious male Dec. 26 in the area of Elm and Bond streets in Brockway Borough, Jefferson County. According to state police, the male was located at the corner of Evergreen and Wood streets, and was determined to have an outstanding warrant in Butler County. He was also allegedly in possession of drugs and paraphernalia. State police took the male to the Jefferson County Jail, and he’ll face additional charges through the district court.
• State police received a report about a burglary Sunday at a Route 219 residence in Snyder Township, Jefferson County. According to state police, a 48-year-old Brockway man received several motion sensor alarm notifications within his home. Upon his return, he found his front door was open; though there wasn’t anyone inside, his back door and dining room windows were broken. State police say it’s not apparent if anything was stolen, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred sometime Dec. 18-20 on Stiffler Hill Road in Burnside Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a dusk-to-dawn, exterior light from the side of a Cherry Tree man’s residence. The investigation is ongoing at this time; anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-938-0510.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct Sunday on Susan Lane. During the incident, a 36-year-old Houtzdale man allegedly “barged” into a Clearfield woman’s home yelling obscenities and acting out in a threatening manner. Police say a citation is currently pending with the district court.
• Police received a report about a theft that occurred Dec. 23 in the area of Drift Rocks and Johns Drive. According to police, a male was observed entering a home that’s under construction. He allegedly put a miter saw, which belonged to the contractors, into a vehicle, then left. A suspect has been identified, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police received a report about a theft at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Clearfield, on Dec. 8. According to police, a store associate shopped and used a self-checkout. They requested $40 cash back but walked away before it was processed. An unknown couple allegedly walked up and pocketed the cash; the investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness Sunday on Washington Avenue. According to police, a welfare check was conducted on a female who was observed staggering and stumbling along the roadway. She was identified as a 45-year-old female from Phoenix, Arizona, and determined to be highly intoxicated. She was subsequently cited and placed in county jail.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of occupants of a vehicle Friday in the area of Calvary and Webber roads. According to police, it was found five people were smoking marijuana inside the vehicle, or “hotboxing.” Upon further investigation, police recovered over 100 grams of marijuana, scales, packaging materials and various other paraphernalia. Police say one occupant was 18 years old while the other four were juveniles. Charges are currently pending at this time.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about a vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident on East Park Avenue. According to police, on-scene it was found a man had fallen and a motorist stopped to help him. Officers then helped the man to his residence, which was nearby.
• Police received a report about a domestic in the 200 block of Spring Avenue. According to police, it was found two roommates were arguing over property. One party left the scene, and no arrests were made as a result of the incident.
• Police received a report about a domestic in the 400 block of Spring Avenue. Police say neither party wanted an arrest made, and there weren’t any signs of physical injury; one party also agreed to leave the residence.
• Police received a report about a patient causing a disturbance at the Penn Highlands DuBois emergency room. Upon arrival, police spoke with the patient who calmed down.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Monday on Mine 10 Road in Beccaria Township. During the incident, a 21-year-old Blandburg man engaged in an argument with the victim. It turned physical when he allegedly grabbed and choked them. State police say he also busted the inside door lock on the victim’s driver’s side truck door, and pulled on the basement doors, which caused two plastic pins to break on the door. Afterwards, the man fled the scene; he’s been charged with harassment and criminal mischief through the district court, Houtzdale.

Lawrence Township

• Police observed two suspicious vehicles Tuesday in the area of Lawrence Park Village. According to the report, as police began to approach one vehicle, its driver sped away at a high rate. Officers caught up to the vehicle when it pulled off the roadway; however, the male driver and passenger got out and fled on foot. Both were located in the wooded area near Pine Grove Nursery, and were taken into custody. A K-9 alerted to the vehicle, and a subsequent search allegedly turned up drug paraphernalia. Both males, now identified as 42-year-old Richard Gearhart of Clearfield and 35-year-old Nathan Levine of Penfield, were discovered to have active warrants and housed in the Clearfield County Jail. It was noted that Gearhart will face additional charges for this incident. Clearfield Borough and Clearfield-based state police assisted with the incident.

GLEN CAMPBELL – A Glen Campbell man has been accused of shooting and killing his father, Punxsutawney-based state police say.

Troopers responded to a domestic incident Wednesday at a residence in Glen Campbell Borough, Indiana County, according to state police.

Upon investigation, it was reportedly determined that 25-year-old Matthew Bartlebaugh had shot and killed his father, 43-year-old Jerald Bartlebaugh.

State police said Matthew Bartlebaugh refused to exit the residence, which prompted the activation of a Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).

“Following a brief standoff [Matthew] Bartlebaugh surrendered without incident,” state police said. He’s been charged with one count of criminal homicide, and will be arraigned at a later time.

In the report, state police noted that the investigation is continuing, and additional information will be released.

CLEARFIELD – A Lanse man has been accused of strangling and threatening to kill a woman during a domestic dispute.

Keith Allen Billotte, 45, has been charged by Trooper Adam Cummings of the Clearfield-based state police with felony strangulation, misdemeanor terroristic threats and simple assault and summary harassment.

Billotte waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail is currently $10,000 monetary.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at approximately 2 a.m. Dec. 22 at a Maple Street residence in Cooper Township, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed through the office of Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling.

While at the scene, Cummings spoke with the victim who said Billotte came home after drinking all night at Sutton’s Bar. She said he began screaming and accusing her of cheating on him, and because of his level of intoxication, she was unable to calm him down.

In the bedroom, Billotte allegedly grabbed her by the neck with both hands, squeezing until she thought she was going to pass out. She said he continued to scream and yell, then threw her across the room.

At this point, she said he began to slap her and when she begged for him to stop, he commented: “Expletive you. I’m going to expletive kill you.” She said she managed to separate herself from him to call police.

The victim sustained multiple scratches, redness and bruising on her neck area. She also had redness and swelling on her right leg where Billotte slapped her, according to the affidavit.

Troopers located Billotte sleeping and determined he was highly intoxicated. He repeatedly claimed he didn’t do anything, and that he’d been asleep the entire time.

Billotte was lodged in county jail on a detainer from the Clearfield County Adult Probation Department.

CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man has been arrested on several felony charges for operating an alleged chop shop at his residence.

Matthew Alan Wisor, 26, has been charged by Trooper Lance Howell of the Clearfield-based state police with felony owning, operating, constructing a chop shop (three counts), burglary (two counts), criminal trespass, alteration or destruction of vehicle identification number, disposition of vehicle or vehicle part with altered vehicle identification number, theft by unlawful taking (five counts) and receiving stolen property (five counts) and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

Wisor waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. He’s being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 2, Howell responded to a reported burglary at Action Cycle & ATV in Boggs Township. A witness said she arrived at the repair shop and noticed that the front garage door was busted open and off the tracks.

Inside she said she found the shop ransacked, contacted state police and then determined that a total of four vehicles had been stolen including a 1972 Yamaha 360 Enduro motorcycle and a 2016 Kawasaki KFX 250 dirt bike.

The witness said it appeared that numerous all-terrain vehicle/dirt bike parts had been stolen, as well as 17 pairs of Thor racing gloves, eight pairs of 100% racing goggles, three sets of Moose handlebars, 12 EK dirt bike chains, two battery charges, miscellaneous parts and $200 in cash from the register.

Howell spoke to the shop owner via telephone and he indicated that a complete list of stolen items wouldn’t be established until he returned from vacation in about month.

He provided the vehicle identification numbers for the 1972 Yamaha 360 Enduro and 2016 Kawasaki KFX 250, noting the Yamaha Enduro is a very rare motorcycle that belonged to him. He said the other three vehicles belonged to customers, and he’d been working on them.

On June 16, state police received information about the stolen Yamaha Enduro. Two witnesses said it was at a residence in the 400 block of Ida Street in Woodward Township; both were familiar with the motorcycle from being acquainted with its owner.

Troopers responded to the residence and observed a male, identified as Wisor, outside working on a green Honda ATV. The Yamaha Enduro was reportedly observed, but its gas tank was now spray-painted yellow.

At the scene, a trooper also observed a handheld grinding tool/stone lying next to the Yamaha Enduro. The motorcycle reportedly had fresh grind marks on its frame and its vehicle identification number was “obliterated.”

Two other ATVs and a youth utility terrain vehicle were at the residence, and it was reportedly determined that the Yamaha Warrior ATV, Honda Foreman ATV and Polaris Youth 170 UTV were stolen. All the vehicles were seized by state police.

On June 17, Trooper Michael Pisarchick of the Auto Theft Task Force was requested to assist with the positive identification of the ATVs and motorcycle.

Pisarchick contacted the owner of Action Cycle & ATV, and based upon two, unique characteristics and model, he confirmed the 1972 Yamaha Enduro belonged to him.

The same day, Howell, Pisarchick and other troopers returned to Wisor’s residence to execute a search warrant based upon information and the previous seizure of vehicles.

A search of the garage allegedly turned up several ATVs and dirt bikes, at which point a 2016 Kawasaki KFX 250 dirt bike was confirmed as stolen from Action Cycle & ATV on June 2.

It turned up several bags containing miscellaneous items stolen from the repair shop like motorcycle chains, shifters and levers, battery tenders and engine oil. The items were still in their original packaging with a bar code, part number and price tag, according to the affidavit.

Howell observed a box containing red and orange turn signals and a red taillight. These items, he said, appeared to be antique and were believed to be taken from the 1972 Yamaha Enduro that was seized June 16.

He observed two sets of handlebars that were marked with bar codes and part numbers, as well as that several items were spray-painted yellow in the garage.

Inside a small bedroom on the second-level of the residence, Howell located an Adidas bookbag reportedly containing Action Cycle & ATV T-shirts, Thor racing gloves and other items. A plastic bag underneath the bookbag reportedly contained Action Cycle & ATV ball caps, racing goggles, knee pads and racing grips.

Troopers seized all the stolen merchandise, parts believed to belong to the stolen Yamaha Enduro as well as items used as part of the alleged chop shop like a Hitachi grinder, Dremel 3000 grinder, yellow spray paint, blue handlebars, ATV ramps and receipts from G&C Scrap.

On June 17, Howell video-chatted with the owner of Action Cycle & ATV from the Clearfield barracks. They went through each item of merchandise, and they were all confirmed as belonging to the repair shop.

Pisarchick and Howell interviewed Wisor July 2 at the Clearfield County Jail. He claimed he was paid in drugs and money to store motorcycles and ATVs for another male.

He admitted that he altered the appearance of the vehicles and removed identification numbers from several of them.

The troopers specifically asked Wisor about the 1972 Yamaha 360 Enduro and the Kawasaki KFX 250. He said the day he was picked up by state police, he was finishing up grinding the identification number off the Yamaha.

He said he had a Honda Foreman and was in the process of removing its winch, so that he could then remove its vehicle identification number.

He also said that he altered the appearance of the Kawasaki, painted the Yamaha Enduro’s gas tank and painted and changed the tires on the Polaris UTV.

Wisor admitted to being involved with the theft of a Honda Foreman and a Yamaha Warrior from a garage in Frenchville, and to being aware that all the vehicles and merchandise, which were seized from his residence, were stolen.

REYNOLDSVILLE BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – An area man is facing felony charges for the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl in Reynoldsville.

Court documents indicate the Reynoldsville Borough Police Department filed the following criminal charges against 38-year-old William Dean Rockwell, of DuBois:

– Rape of Child, Felony 1 (four counts)
– Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse With Child, Felony 1 (two counts)
– Unlawful Contact With Minor – Sexual Offenses, Felony 1 (two counts)
– Endangering Welfare of Children – Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Felony 2 (two counts)
– Sexual Assault, Felony 2 (two counts)
– Indecent Assault Person Less than 13 Years of Age, Misdemeanor 1 (two counts)

The charges stem from the alleged sexual assault of a young child that occurred in Reynoldsville Borough, Jefferson County.

According to a criminal complaint filed on Dec. 23 in Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana’s office, Sergeant Murray, of the Reynoldsville Borough Police Department, received a Childline report on Nov. 22 indicating a five-year-old child had been sexually assaulted by William Dean Rockwell.

According to the complaint, Rockwell had been babysitting the victim at a residence in Reynoldsville Borough on Oct. 14. The following day, the victim told a known family member about a “secret game” she played with Rockwell. When asked how to play the game, the victim did not want to tell “because it was a secret.”

The victim was interviewed at the Clearfield County Child Advocacy Center on Nov. 21.

She disclosed the details of the “secret game called the rainbow power save the princess and bad guy game” to the interviewer; she said she “changed into her rainbow dress because it was a rainbow game.” The “secret game” included sexual contact and rape, the complaint indicates.

The victim told the interviewer that she started to cry during the “game,” and she was bleeding, and she “puked because she did not feel good.”

She also told the interviewer “it was the most terriblest thing ever,” the complaint states.

The victim was given an examination by a medical examiner following the interview. However, the exam could not be completed due to the victim’s fear of being hurt. The medical examiner gave the opinion – taking into account the disclosure of sexual abuse and the victim’s extreme fear of pain when the exam was attempted – that the victim had undergone a traumatic event such as a sexual assault, according to the complaint.

Rockwell was interviewed twice: on Dec. 5 and on Dec. 16.

Rockwell admitted to babysitting the victim on Oct. 14 and admitted to playing “the princess game” with the victim and acknowledged that the victim changed into her rainbow dress for the game.

While Rockwell was able to remember details of how to play other games that he and the victim had played previously, he was unable to recall the details of how the princess game was played, according to the complaint.

He denied touching the victim inappropriately; however, he admitted to masturbating in the bathroom and using methamphetamine that day while the victim was in his care, the complaint states.

When he was questioned about a specific term the victim used to refer to his genitals, he allegedly responded by saying “we didn’t call it that.”

According to the complaint, Rockwell made other comments throughout the interviews that were “alarming.”

He stated the victim “made him feel like nobody has ever made him feel before,” and said “the worst part of this is he will never see her again.”

He also said he “cherished the time they had together because it gave him purpose,” the complaint indicates.

When Rockwell was told the victim was able to describe his genitals, he stated the victim walked in on him in the bathroom.

Parts of Rockwell’s story also changed from the first interview to the second interview. During the first interview, when asked if the victim seemed sick, he stated the victim seemed fine, but during the second interview, he said the victim may have thrown up, the complaint indicates.

Rockwell initially agreed to a polygraph, but later refused when he was called to schedule the test.

He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana at 8:05 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23.

Unable to post $200,000 monetary bail, he remains lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, with Judge Inzana presiding.

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

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness Tuesday on Route 28 in Warsaw Township, Jefferson County. During the incident, a 51-year-old Brookville man was walking along the roadway and yelling at passing motorists. As a result, he was cited for his actions.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a physical domestic Wednesday at Lawrence Park Village. According to police, it was found a Clearfield couple engaged in an argument, during which a female pushed the male. While at the scene, police allegedly observed an inhalation device and a small amount of marijuana in plain view. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Thursday in the area of Sheetz on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. Upon investigation, it was discovered the driver, 44-year-old Allen Welker from Altoona, was wanted for a Protection from Abuse order violation in Blair County. A passenger, identified as 40-year-old Justin Obleman from Clearfield, was also wanted through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Department. Both were taken into custody, at which point Obleman was allegedly found in possession of various amounts of pills. Police say that all the pills were suspected controlled substances. Both Welker and Obleman were housed in Clearfield County Jail on warrants; charges are currently pending against Obleman.

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.