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.

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.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a counterfeit $100 bill on Dec. 18 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Clearfield. However, police were unable to identify the two female suspects; information will be forwarded to the Secret Service.
• Police received a report about an alleged retail theft that occurred Dec. 20 at Rite Aid.  According to police, two suspects – a 32-year-old Clearfield woman and a 25-year-old DuBois man – were identified via surveillance video. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of terroristic threats/harassment that occurred Dec. 29 on Garman Lane. According to police, a call was received from the victim’s mother who said her 14-year-old daughter was being harassed, and the offender was identified as a 14-year-old Morrisdale boy. This incident is pending further investigation.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Saturday on Green Acre Road in Bigler Township. According to state police, an 18-year-old Bellefonte man subjected an 18-year-old Altoona man to unwanted physical contact when he spit on him. Then, the Altoona man and an 18-year-old Smithmill man subjected the Bellefonte man to unwanted contact by punching him in the head and face. All three were cited for harassment through the district court.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of trespassing Saturday on South 14^th Street in Reynoldsville Borough. According to state police, a 29-year-old DuBois woman entered the victim’s home, which was evidenced by statements and a photograph he received from her. As a result, she was cited for the incident.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment Saturday in the area of Main Street and Pershing Avenue in Brockway Borough. During the incident, two Brockway men allegedly punched and shoved each other. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about counterfeit money Dec. 6 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Clearfield. During the incident, a 54-year-old Clearfield woman was allegedly found to be attempting to pass a counterfeit $50 bill. The investigation is pending at this time.
• Police reported an incident of DUI occurred Saturday at Snappy’s Convenience Store, Clearfield. According to police, information was received about a 50-year-old Woodland woman who was passed out behind the wheel of her vehicle. Upon arrival on-scene, police administered field sobriety tests to the woman, and she was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI/controlled substance. She was transported to Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital for a legal blood draw and housed in county jail. Charges are currently pending.
• Police received a report about a missing cellular phone Saturday at McDonald’s, located along the Clearfield-Shawville Highway, Clearfield. According to police, it’s described as being a dark blue in color Android smartphone. Anyone with information is asked to contact township police.
• Police received a report about a theft that occurred Saturday on Riverview Road, Clearfield. During the incident, a 25-year-old Clearfield man allegedly took a tool box and duffel bag containing various tools from the victim’s garage. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

DuBois City

• Police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash Friday on Liberty Boulevard. No injuries occurred and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash Friday in the area of Brady Street and Scribner Avenue. No injuries occurred and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male Friday at a business on Liberty Boulevard. Upon arrival on-scene, it was discovered the male had an active arrest warrant; he was taken into custody and put in county jail.
• Police received a report about a domestic disturbance Friday in the 700 block of Maple Avenue. Upon arrival on-scene, it was learned a female was there to attempt to retrieve her belongings. Police say there weren’t any grounds for an arrest, and both parties were separated without incident.
• Police received a report about criminal mischief that occurred to a vehicle Friday. According to police, it was determined – upon investigation – that the caller’s son was intoxicated and had actually crashed the vehicle. He was arrested for suspicion of DUI; charges are currently pending.
• Police received a report about a domestic Friday in the 100 block of East Long Avenue. Upon investigation, police say it was found a male and female had punctured containers of engine starter fluid in order to “huff” the contents, their small apartment had filled with a “noxious haze” of flammable gas and it had to be vented and vacated. The DuBois Fire Department was subsequently called to the scene to assess the safety of the apartment. Police found both the male and female were on probation; both were arrested and housed in county jail with charges pending.
• Police received a report about criminal mischief Saturday at the DuBois Manor Motel. According to police, a female was believed to have allowed a cat to cause damage to the room. The owner was advised this was a civil matter.
• Police received a report about an egging Saturday on East Second Avenue. No suspects were identified, police say.
• Police received a report about a theft at Giant Eagle on Saturday. According to police, a male exited the store with a cart full of groceries that he didn’t pay for. Police obtained surveillance, and the investigation is ongoing.
• Police reported that a small amount of drugs and paraphernalia were recovered Saturday following a traffic stop on Jared Street.

CLEARFIELD – A local man is accused of assaulting an officer during a scuffle with police in the Emergency Department at the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital.

Ryan S. Albert, 35, of Clearfield is charged by Clearfield Borough police with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and disorderly conduct (two counts) and two summaries.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, at approximately 11:16 p.m. Jan. 2, a patient, Albert, fled the hospital on foot towards Nichols Street.

Officers David Hoover and Ethan Fritz responded to the call and because Albert is known to exhibit aggressive behavior, Hoover requested assistance from Lawrence Township police.

Hoover parked on Williams Road, just off Martin Street, and at 11:29 p.m., he observed a male walking west in the middle of the roadway.

He said the male who was wearing blue hospital scrubs took off his shirt and threw it into a yard. Hoover positively identified the male as Albert and notified township officers.

Once township officers, Zachary Cowan and Ralph Nedza and borough officer, Fritz, arrived on-scene, Hoover apprehended Albert without incident.

Albert was transported back to the hospital and escorted into the Emergency Department. Hoover advised Albert he was still under a valid warrant and he can’t leave the facility.

Hoover said he asked Albert several times to relax and respect the medical staff who were only trying to help him. He said Albert related that he understood and wouldn’t cause anymore issues.

A few minutes later, he said Albert became agitated and stated he didn’t want to be there anymore. Albert reportedly became verbally confrontational and took an aggressive stance toward Cowan.

At the time, Cowan was positioned outside the door next to Hoover. Albert allegedly commented to the officers: “I will [expletive] drop you guys” and then flipped his hospital bed.

Hoover and Cowan proceeded to enter the room, and Albert aggressively wrapped his right arm around Cowan’s head, according to the affidavit.

Hoover grabbed Albert’s left hand and Nedza and Fritz assisted Albert to the floor. Cowan freed himself from Albert’s hold, and as the scuffle ensued, Albert reportedly ignored all commands.

He told the officers several times to “tase me” but was ultimately handcuffed, assisted to his feet and placed back on his bed. Police then handcuffed both of Albert’s wrists to the bed.

Cowan notified officers and a nurse that he may have been scratched or cut by Albert.  Upon examination, Hoover observed that Cowan’s right ear was very red and there was blood behind it.

Cowan reportedly sustained several scratches that were bleeding in his neck area, in addition to the laceration behind his ear. He received medical treatment while at the hospital.

Albert is being held in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail. He’s scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct Monday at the West Branch High School in Morris Township. According to state police, security footage showed a 15-year-old juvenile from Winburne pulling the fire alarm switch during a fire drill. Charges will be filed against the juvenile for the incident.
• State police received a report that a 49-year-old Coalport man issued a personal check with insufficient funds on Nov. 16, 2019 in Coalport Borough.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an indecent assault that occurred July 4, 2019 at Taylor Memorial Park in Brockway Borough. The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman whose two young children were found wandering on the road alone pleaded guilty Tuesday during sentencing court.

Lawrence Township police charged Tabitha Tanile Taylor, 28, with a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children after an incident near the police station on April 15.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, an individual stopped in the station to report two young children walking alone down Washington Avenue in the area of Hall Street around 6:05 p.m.

An officer, who also spotted the kids, told them to stay where they were as she crossed the street and went over to them. When asked where their mother was, they said she was at home and they were walking to their grandmother’s house.

The oldest child who was 6 years old gave their mother’s name as Tabitha Taylor.

The officer zipped up their coats, took their hands and walked them across the road to the police station.

The children said their mother was at home upstairs, and explained they are allowed “to be downstairs by themselves.”

A representative of the Clearfield County Children, Family and Youth Services office was contacted and arrived at the station at 7:15 p.m.

About 10 minutes later, Taylor showed up at the station asking about the children. She stated that she had discovered them missing and was out looking for them.

She was advised by the officer that the children had been there for about 90 minutes and asked why she had not called police.

Taylor was then told the children were in protective custody and CYS had been called. When she was asked to submit to a drug test, she declined at the advice of her sister.

The next day CYS reported that the grandmother had been contacted so the children could be released to her care, but this action was stopped after the grandmother tested positive for methamphetamine.

The children were then placed in foster care.

On Tuesday, Taylor was sentenced to 30 days to one year in jail followed by one-year consecutive probation by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman.

She must also complete a nurturing program.

JOHNSTOWN – A Curwensville man was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of violating federal firearms and ammunition laws, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced Tuesday.

The one-count indictment named Chancellor M. Shaw, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Sept. 16, 2019, Shaw was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On June 26, 2018, Shaw was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Clearfield County of the crimes of flight to avoid apprehension and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, which are crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CLEARFIELD – A Mahaffey man has been accused of having sex with a young girl.

Bradley T. Barto, 22, has been charged by Trooper Derek C. Weaver of the Punxsutawney-based state police with felony rape of child, statutory sexual assault/4-8 years older, unlawful contact with minor/sexual offenses and corruption of minors/defendant age 18 or above and misdemeanor indecent assault/person less than 13 years of age and indecent assault/person less than 16 years of age.

Barto waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. Bail has been set at $5,000 unsecured.

The investigation began through a ChildLine report concerning suspected child abuse and neglect, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge James Glass.

During a forensic interview Aug. 9, 2018, the girl said she had sexual intercourse with Barto when she was approximately 12 years old. She said Barto was age 18 at the time, and it was “weird” for her.

In an interview with state police Aug. 11, Barto allegedly admitted he had sexual intercourse with the girl at a friend’s house in Mahaffey. This, state police said, was consistent with the findings of the ChildLine report.

Though he could not recall their exact ages, he said it was “dumb” and a “mistake” on his part due to their age difference. He also expressed concern over being arrested and becoming a Megan’s Law offender.

YOUNG TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Punxsutawney man is facing criminal charges from incidents where he allegedly chased a juvenile around while having his genitals exposed.

Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney-based State Police filed the following criminal charges against 42-year-old John Blain Gervasoni, of Punxsutawney:

– Corruption Of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 3 (seven counts)
– Corruption of Minors, Misdemeanor 1
– Indecent Exposure, Misdemeanor 2 (seven counts)

According to a criminal complaint, on March 18, 2019, Trooper Malloy of the Punxsutawney-based State Police was assigned to investigate a Childline report involving allegations that John Blain Gervasoni was exposing his genitals to children.

According to the complaint, during the interviews, one male juvenile victim related that Gervasoni would expose his genitals and then chased the victim. The victim related this occurred approximately five times, starting in the summer of 2018 through the winter of 2018, and also related he smoked marijuana with Gervasoni on numerous occasions.

Gervasoni was also interviewed by police. According to the complaint, Gervasoni admitted that he smoked marijuana with the victim in March of 2018.

The complaint notes a juvenile witness was also interviewed. The juvenile witness allegedly reported being present on two occasions, one during the fall of 2018 and one during the winter of 2018, when he saw Gervasoni chase the juvenile victim while Gervasoni’s genitals were exposed.

The charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on December 10.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, with Judge Mizerock presiding.

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

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an assault Monday on Mutton Hollow Road in Bradford Township. During a domestic, a 36-year-old Bigler man allegedly caused a visible injury to the victim’s eye. He’ll face charges of simple assault and terroristic threats through the district court.
• State police received a report about a theft Tuesday on Deer Creek Road in Graham Township. During the incident, someone allegedly gained access to the victim’s bank account and made two fraudulent charges totaling $895.96.
• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Tuesday on Hardscrabble Road in Morris Township. According to the crash report, a 17-year-old Munson boy was traveling east too fast for the snow-covered roadway conditions. He subsequently lost control of his vehicle, causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and strike a utility pole. Afterwards, he left the scene but came back about 40 minutes later.
• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Tuesday on Hogback Hill Road in Bradford Township. According to the crash report, Troy Lumadue of Mineral Springs was traveling north and attempting to negotiate a slight, left-hand curve in the roadway. He was traveling too fast for the icy roadway conditions and subsequently lost control of his vehicle, which slid off the right-hand side of the roadway and struck a tree head-on. No injuries were reported and towing services assisted on-scene.

State police at DuBois

• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Wednesday on Golden Yoke Road in Brady Township, Clearfield County. According to the crash report, Mark A. Carlson of DuBois was traveling north when he failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. He subsequently lost control of his vehicle on the snow-covered roadway, striking a utility pole. Carlson sustained minor injuries, and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Towing services assisted at the scene.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about an unruly male on Park Avenue. Upon arrival on-scene, police were able to calm him down.
• Police assisted a motorist who had locked their keys inside their vehicle on West Seventh Avenue.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a female who had threatened self-harm. According to police, it was found the female had ingested a large number of pills. She was subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment.
• Police assisted the Clearfield Fire Department with a reported fire on East Eighth Street.
• Police received a report about a theft from a Daisy Street resident. During the incident, someone allegedly removed money from the victim’s account without permission. The investigation is continuing at this time.
• Lawrence Township police located a male, for whom there were several active warrants, on state Route 879. Clearfield Borough police assisted with the service of warrants through their department.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a theft Tuesday in the Clearfield area. During the incident, a known person allegedly removed several hundred dollars from someone’s bank account without permission.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Jan. 1 on the Shawville-Croft Highway in Goshen Township. As a result, charges were filed against 32-year-old Zachary Westen of Clearfield through the district court.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment Dec. 24 on Elizabeth Street in Houtzdale Borough. During the incident, 21-year-old Joshua Blackburn of Curwensville allegedly shoved a 23-year-old Houtzdale woman to the ground. Charges were filed through the district court.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Monday on the Philipsburg-Bigler Highway in Boggs Township. During the incident, someone allegedly used a West Decatur man’s credit card to make a $307.61 purchase at Wal-Mart in Gonzales, La.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about upstairs tenants yelling on East Locust Street. Upon arrival, police were neither able to hear anything nor make contact with anyone.
• Police assisted a pedestrian, along state Route 879, who was walking home after work. Police provided him with a ride due to the weather conditions.
• Police located a female, for whom there was an active warrant, on Nichols Street. She was able to satisfy the warrant on-scene.
• Police received a report about a possible break-in on Spruce Street. According to police, a female was found to be suffering from medical and mental health issues.  She was subsequently transported for treatment.
• Lawrence Township police and Pennsylvania State Parole were assisted with taking an absconder into custody along U.S. Route 322 in Clearfield.
• Police received a report about an incident of retail theft. During the incident, someone allegedly removed an item from an establishment without paying for it.
• Police received a report about a bad check that was returned to a local business due to insufficient funds after it was used to purchase items.

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.

BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – The Pennsylvania Game Commission has filed charges against two young hunters involved in the abuse of an injured deer that went public via a viral video.

Charged are 18-year-old Alexander Brock Smith and a 17-year-old juvenile male. Each faces two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two felony counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated animal cruelty, as well as several other misdemeanor and summary counts.

The Nov. 30 incident for which Smith and his accomplice were charged has been seen by thousands of people worldwide who viewed the videos. The Game Commission became aware of the incident soon after the videos were posted, when one viewer shared a video to the agency’s Facebook page. The agency immediately launched an investigation.

Each defendant was interviewed as part of the investigation and confirmed they were hunting together Nov. 30 in an enclosed tree stand on property Smith’s family owns in Beaver Township, Jefferson County. The juvenile shot and wounded a buck, then missed with a follow-up shot. The deer was immobilized, video was taken, then shared through the messaging app Snapchat. One recipient of the video saved it to his phone and contacted the Game Commission, and his phone, as well as the defendants’ phones, were seized for forensic analysis.

Smith was arraigned on charges today before Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. Paperwork containing the juvenile’s charges also was filed today, which begins the process of the charges being sent to juvenile court.

Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans said the filing of charges brings to an end a thorough investigation about an incident that has drawn much attention and public outrage. Burhans said posts about the incident on the agency’s Facebook page have made clear the contempt hunters hold for the actions depicted on the video.

“Hunters care deeply about wildlife,” Burhans said. “It’s through their decades of dedication to the outdoors that we enjoy healthy and sustainable populations of wild birds and mammals, and that those wildlife species that encounter trouble are identified and afforded additional protection.

“Hunters are taught at an early age to hunt ethically, to be respectful of the game they hunt, the property upon which they hunt and other hunters,” Burhans said. “The Game Commission’s Hunter-Trapper Education program emphasizes these longstanding principles to new hunters.”

Posts by followers of the Game Commission’s social-media pages made it clear that many were keeping track of the case as the investigation continued. Some expressed frustration with the length of time it took for charges to be filed, but in cases where charges likely are to be brought under the state’s Game and Wildlife Code, it’s important to complete a thorough investigation before filing any charges because a hearing on the charges might be held soon afterward, and the case closed permanently.

Even in this case, where there was video of an unlawful act, investigators had to determine it happened in Pennsylvania, where the Game Commission has authority to file charges, as well as collect evidence to prove the teens committed the act and posted the videos.

“It’s easy to understand why people were outraged by the incident,” Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners President Tim Layton said. “But the worst-case scenario would have been rushing the investigation and heading into court with a case that wasn’t as strong as it could have been.

“Complicated investigations take time, and on behalf of the Board of Game Commissioners, I would like to commend the Game Commission, its Northwest Region Office and all of the game wardens who investigated the matter in cooperation with Pennsylvania State Police, local law-enforcement and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office. It’s a difficult job, and you do it extremely well.”

Jefferson County District Attorney Jeff Burkett also spoke of the length of time it takes to complete a thorough investigation.

“Obviously, this case has generated a large amount of public outcry,” Burkett said. “People have assumed that officers have been dragging their feet when, actually, the opposite is true. They have put a lot of hard work in on this case in order to present the case for prosecution. I commend the Pennsylvania Game Commission for their efforts in this matter.”

The Pennsylvania Game Commission does not release the names of minors who are charged with violations of the state Game and Wildlife Code.

The Charges Filed

A list of the charges Smith and the teen hunter face and the maximum penalties associated with each appear below.

Alexander Brock Smith

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal – Felony 3
Up to 7 years incarceration
Up to $15,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal – Felony 3
Up to 7 years incarceration
Up to $15,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal (Conspiracy) – Felony 3
Up to 7 years incarceration
Up to $15,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal (Conspiracy) – Felony 3
Up to 7 years incarceration
Up to $15,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Cruelty to Animal – Misdemeanor 2
Up to 2 years incarceration
Up to $5,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Corruption of Minors – Misdemeanor 1
Up to 5 years incarceration
Up to $10,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence – Misdemeanor 2
Up to 2 years incarceration
Up to $5,000 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Disturbance of Game or Wildlife – Summary 1
Up to 3 months incarceration
$1,000 to $1,500 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Unlawful Possession Game or Wildlife – Summary 2
Up to 1 month incarceration
$400 to $800 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Unlawful Devices and Methods – Summary 4
$150 to $300 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Regulations; Protective Material Required – Summary 5
$100 to $200 in fines
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

17-year-old juvenile

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal – Felony 3
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal – Felony 3
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal (Conspiracy) – Felony 3
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Aggravated Cruelty to Animal (Conspiracy) – Felony 3
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Cruelty to Animal – Misdemeanor 2
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence – Misdemeanor 2
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Disturbance of Game or Wildlife – Summary 1
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Unlawful Possession Game or Wildlife – Summary 2
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Unlawful Devices and Methods – Summary 4
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

Regulations; Protective Material Required – Summary 5
Penalties to be determined in juvenile court system
Multiple years of hunting license revocation

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

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman will face drug-related charges following an incident Thursday in Lawrence Township.

According to township police, a call was received about suspicious activity in the area of Hill and Spring streets.  Upon arrival, officers located a woman, identified as 35-year-old Amanda Moore, hiding in a crawl space of an abandoned trailer.

Police say Moore was under the influence of a controlled substance, and subsequently taken to the Clearfield County Jail. At the jail, Moore was allegedly found to be in possession of controlled substances.

CLEARFIELD – A county jail inmate accused of threatening corrections officers at the jail and trying to escape, is being sent for a mental health evaluation.

In July, John F. Moore, 43, of Clearfield allegedly removed a piece of a metal desk, which he used as a weapon to threaten corrections officers and to injure himself.

According to the affidavit, Moore held the shank at the neck of one of the COs, demanding to be let out of the building. Later he was locked in the garage where he threatened to kill himself.

The situation was noted as a “psychological emergency” initially and eventually Moore was taken into custody before being transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.

On Friday he was in court to plead guilty to aggravated assault, aggravated harassment and criminal attempt/escape, all felonies, in exchange for a six-month jail sentence.

His attorney Joshua Maines told President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman that Moore did not intend to hurt anyone, and if had wanted to, he actually had the opportunity to do that.

It made little sense for Moore to try to escape because he was only incarcerated on a bench warrant for not paying his fines and costs on another case, he explained.

He said Moore was “coming down” from narcotics and being medicated for that when this happened. Since that time, he said he has been taken off those medications and has been stable.

Maines continued to say Moore had a limited criminal record with no history of violence.

Assistant District Attorney Trudy Lumadue also mentioned there was a question as to whether the incident was the result of Moore’s medication.

Ammerman stated the probation office was recommending he reject the six-month plea.

Moore’s actions put the correction officers at risk, which could put this case into a higher sentencing range requiring a 14-month minimum sentence, he said. In addition, he said the CO involved in the incident was not in favor of the six-month sentence.

Instead of rejecting the plea agreement, Ammerman decided to send Moore to state prison for a 60-day psychiatric evaluation.

Moore will be scheduled to be sentenced following the results of the evaluation.

For more details on this case, click here.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly abusing his three-month-old son.

John Uceda-Drumm, 24, has been charged by Lawrence Township police with felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children, plus related misdemeanor offenses.

The charges stem from a report of child abuse made by Children, Youth & Family Services on Dec. 6, 2019, according to police.

Police say it was discovered the baby had multiple fractures in his right leg, and he was taken into foster care. Upon examination at UPMC Children’s Hospital, police say another fracture was discovered in the baby’s left leg as well as healing rib fractures.

The investigation revealed the baby’s father, Drumm, had allegedly grabbed the baby by his torso multiple times to the extent it fractured his ribs and “roughly” moved both legs while changing his diaper, which caused multiple fractures.

Drumm is currently housed in Clearfield County Jail.

Christopher Ronald Schulze (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – Sheriff Michael Churner has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of Jan. 13, 2020.

He identified the fugitive as Christopher Ronald Schulze, 42, of 619 S. Brady St., DuBois, who’s been charged by Sandy Township police with terroristic threats and harassment.

However, Churner said that Schulze failed to appear for Criminal Call on Oct. 25, 2018, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Schultze is described as a Caucasian male standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

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

DUBOIS – Two people are facing charges for allegedly releasing toxic fumes into an apartment in an attempt to get high.

Andrea E. Harrison, 35, of DuBois is charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, smell/inhale toxic releasing substances and possessing solvent for releasing toxic vapors/fumes while Bernard Lee Smith, 38, of Falls Creek is charged with disorderly conduct for an incident on Jan. 3 at Harrison’s apartment.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were called to a third-floor apartment on East Long Avenue for a report of a domestic disturbance because someone had heard a woman yelling “help me!”

When police arrived, Smith met them at the door and Harrison was in the bedroom. The small apartment reportedly had a blueish haze/fog with a strong noxious chemical smell that filled the entire residence.

Smith allegedly stated that he had punctured starter fluid cans so Harrison could “huff” the fumes. She then admitted to using the fumes to get high, according to the report.

Police say they found two empty starter fluid canisters with puncture holes and a third canister with a dent and scrape, which appeared to have been caused by a failed attempt at puncturing it.

There was a natural gas space heater with a burning pilot light in the apartment.

It is noted in the complaint that starter fluid is “an extremely gaseous substance used to aid in the combustion of an engine in the automotive industry.”

Both canisters warn of the flammable nature of the product and caution users to “use only in a well-ventilated area away from an open flame.”

The area was aired out as the flame and gas supply was turned off.

Area fire department personnel were called to assess the safety of the building, which has a total of three apartments.

As they arrived, they were able to smell the noxious gas, but the concentration was either not dense enough to register on their gas meter or the meters were not designed to detect the specific elements of the starter fluid, according to the complaint.

Harrison and Smith are both scheduled for preliminary hearings on Feb. 7 at District Judge Patrick Ford’s office.

State police at DuBois

• State police reported a drug-related DUI that occurred Jan. 9 on the Rockton Mountain Highway in Union Township. According to state police, a 49-year-old Clearfield woman was taken to Penn Highlands DuBois for a legal blood draw for suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana. She was also allegedly in possession of a small amount of marijuana during a traffic stop. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• State police reported a drug-related DUI that occurred Friday on the Rich Highway/Route 219 in Sandy Township. During a traffic stop, a 38-year-old DuBois woman was suspected of driving under the influence of a controlled substance(s). Following an interview and field sobriety testing, she was allegedly found to be under the influence of heroin and prescription medications. She was placed under arrest and transported to Penn Highlands DuBois for a legal blood draw. Afterwards, she was taken to Clearfield County Jail on Domestic Relations warrants. Charges are currently pending at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an alleged incident of access device fraud Jan. 8 on Riverview Road, Clearfield. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police reported an incident of DUI occurred Friday on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. During a traffic stop, a 31-year-old West Decatur man was allegedly found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Police say he also refused to exit his vehicle and resisted arrest. He was eventually taken into custody and to Penn Highlands Clearfield for a legal blood draw. Afterwards, he was housed in county jail on a probation violation with charges pending.
• Police received a report about a retail theft that occurred Jan. 7 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Clearfield. During the incident, an employee was allegedly observed under-ringing items, eating food items in the produce section and not scanning items. Charges will be filed against the woman for retail theft and receiving stolen property.

DuBois City

• Police received a report about a domestic Jan. 9 on Wood Street. Upon arrival on-scene, it was found a couple engaged in a dispute over money. Police say an involved male requested to speak to someone, and was transported to the hospital without incident.
• Police responded to a reported motor vehicle crash Jan. 9 at the intersection of Liberty Boulevard and Beaver Drive. According to police, a driver attempted to turn right on red while another driver was traveling straight with a green light, causing the crash. No injuries occurred and both vehicles were driven from the scene. Police assisted with the exchange of information, and no further action was necessary.
• Police received a report about a suspicious person Jan. 9 at a local insurance agency. According to police, the male entered and requested a quote for auto insurance. Then, he started to ask questions like how many people worked there, if he could get an application and come back on a later date and if an agent wanted some hashish. The caller told police they found this behavior to be unusual, and they didn’t want the male to return. Police subsequently made contact with the male, and advised him he wasn’t any longer permitted to be on the agency’s property.
• Police were dispatched to an activated alarm Friday in the 300 block of Aspen Way. Upon arrival on-scene, it was found to be a false alarm.
• Police received a report about a male lying outside of a business Saturday in the 600 block of Liberty Boulevard. Upon arrival on-scene, police located a 52-year-old DuBois man who they say was intoxicated and had passed out on the sidewalk. He was released to a sober adult.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male Saturday in the 100 block of DuBois Avenue. Upon arrival on-scene, contact was made with the property owner who said the male had come into the business six to eight times over the past three or four days. He said the male attempted to take items and to sit in an office. However, he was gone upon police arrival.
• Police received a report about an apartment lockbox being open with the key lying on the ground Saturday in the 100 block of West Long Avenue. Police say the victim had medication missing, but he wasn’t sure what specifically was missing. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police were requested to check the welfare of a female trying to harm herself Saturday in the 200 block of West Long Avenue. Upon arrival on-scene, police determined that everything was OK.
• While on routine patrol Saturday, police observed a male lying on the sidewalk along West Long Avenue. Police determined he had a medical issue, and he was transported by ambulance to Penn Highlands DuBois for an evaluation.
• Police received a report about a female busting out windows to a residence Saturday in the 600 block of Locust Street. Upon arrival on-scene, police found the female was gone; contact was made with the renter who refused to press charges.