CLEARFIELD – A local man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, as well as sending inappropriate pictures to multiple other juvenile girls through social media.

Justin K. Sypin, 28, of Allport has been charged with child pornography (two counts), unlawful contact with a minor-obscene and other sexual materials and performances (10 counts), unlawful contact with minor-sexual abuse of children (15 counts), aggravated indecent assault (10 counts) and aggravated indecent assault without consent (10 counts), all felonies, as well as misdemeanor indecent assault (10 counts) and indecent assault without consent (10 counts).

In April, Clearfield state police opened the investigation following an allegation that Sypin had entered the girl’s room last summer while she was asleep and molested her until she woke up.

The victim had also reported in July of 2021 that Sypin “always” Snap Chats girls who are around her age, which was 10, at the time, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

She said his account has a list of girls who appear to be young based upon their pictures and use of Bitmojis, or personalized emojis of themselves.

During a Child Advocacy Center interview in April, she said Sypin added her on Snap Chat and tried to contact her, prompting her to block him on all social media.

She said Sypin had been around multiple times since the incident last summer, even though he’d been advised not to have any contact with her.

Her story was corroborated by another juvenile girl who said Sypin was “weird with little girls,” and “always” talks to 12- to 13-year-olds.

She said she was personally aware of at least three girls who have blocked Sypin on social media accounts for being inappropriate, and that he specifically asked one girl sexual questions.

In a Child Advocacy Center interview, that victim reported having multiple inappropriate physical encounters with Sypin, as well as receiving multiple inappropriate social media messages.

She said Sypin wanted to meet her alone, but she refused “because she knew his intentions” and was aware he talks to other young girls on Facebook and Snap Chat.

On June 10, state police obtained a search warrant for phones and other electronic devices belonging to Sypin. He also agreed to speak with investigators.

Sypin allegedly admitted to having molested the 10-year-old girl on 10, separate occasions while she was asleep one night last summer.

He also allegedly admitted to having sent approximately 15 pictures of his private area to girls on social media that he knew were under age 17, including a seven-year-old.

On one of Sypin’s phones, investigators observed multiple nude photographs of “obviously” prepubescent girls, according to the affidavit.

Sypin advised state police that on one phone, he had created a fake Snap Chat to make it appear as though he was a 10-year-old boy so he could talk to girls that age and solicit photographs.

Sypin waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court, sending his case to county court for further disposition. Bail is set at $150,000 monetary.

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Aug. 18 in the area of Main Street and Goss Aly in Bradford Township. During a traffic stop, a 48-year-old Houtzdale man was allegedly found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Charges are currently pending.
• State police reported a theft occurred Aug. 23 on Glendale Avenue in Morris Township. During the incident, someone allegedly stole approximately 20 sheets of yellow tin sheet metal from a fielded area. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police reported an overdose occurred July 30 on George Street in Curwensville Borough. No further information was released.
• State police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Aug. 13 in the area of the Lumber City Highway and Kirk Street in Ferguson Township. During a traffic stop, a 45-year-old Curwensville woman was allegedly found to be driving while under the influence of a controlled substance. Charges are pending.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Aug. 25 on Washington Avenue in Lawrence Township. During a traffic stop for a window tint violation, a 29-year-old DuBois man was allegedly found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and found in possession of drug paraphernalia. His passenger – a 31-year-old DuBois woman – was also in possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia, police said. Charges were filed.

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

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report Aug. 25 about an assault on Egypt Road in Bradford Township. As a result, Dustin Fry, 33, of Woodland was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. He was housed in county jail on a probation violation and arraigned on charges.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a report of a male who was allegedly trespassing and defacing an ATA bus. He was located by police and charges are to be filed. 
• While on patrol, police located a male who had crashed his motorcycle. He was found to have been driving while heavily intoxicated and didn’t have a valid driver’s license. He was also allegedly in possession of a controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
• Police responded to a report of an irate male with a knife walking around a Reed Street residence.  He allegedly had made threats to other tenants in the building.  Police arrived and located the male inside his apartment where he was taken into custody. 
• Police and EMS responded to Zimmerman Avenue for a report of an unconscious male.  Upon arrival, police and EMS learned the male was experiencing an overdose; he was assisted to the hospital. 

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report of a suicidal male Aug. 26 on Industrial Park Road. According to police, contact was made with the male in a wooded area and he was found to be extremely intoxicated. Emergency personnel were summoned to the area to provide treatment and transport to Penn Highlands Hospital. Police have cited the male for public drunkenness.
• Police responded to a physical domestic altercation Aug. 26 on Martin Street Extension.  Upon arrival on-scene, it was found a male had allegedly attempted to choke and grab the victim. He was taken into custody and to Penn Highlands Clearfield for a mental health evaluation. Charges are currently pending.

JOHNSTOWN – A of Clearfield woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced Tuesday.

Kierston Bell, 34, pleaded guilty to count two of the superseding indictment before Senior U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July of 2019 to June of 2020, Bell conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 5, 2023. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bell.

Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States.

OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Aug. 12 on Fruit Hill Road in Knox Township.  During a traffic stop, a 29-year-old Madera man was allegedly under the influence of drugs and found in possession of drug paraphernalia. Charges are to be filed through the district court.
• State police investigated a report of indecent assault Aug. 21 at SCI Houtzdale. No further information was released.
• State police attempted a traffic stop Aug. 27 in Houtzdale Borough. However, the operator of a sport bike reportedly fled and led troopers on a pursuit into Bigler Township. There, the pursuit was terminated. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report of trespassing Aug. 29 at the Morrisdale Minit Mart. During the incident, a 28-year-old Woodland woman was allegedly at the store after being advised she was no longer permitted there. She was cited for the violation.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report of a retail theft that occurred June 4 at the Clearfield Walmart Supercenter. Upon investigation and review of video surveillance, it was found that a 35-year-old Osceola Mills man entered the store and retrieved two food items and a bicycle. He allegedly cancelled his transaction at self-checkout and exited without paying for merchandise valued at $140.36. As a result, the man was cited through the district court.
• Police received a report of underage drinking Aug. 30. When contact was made, the male juvenile was allegedly under the influence. Charges are pending.
• Police conducted a warrant service Aug. 31 in Hyde. According to police, information was received regarding the location of 26-year-old Zachary Tibbens, who was wanted by multiple agencies, including parole. He attempted to flee but was intercepted by officers; he was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine and several pills that were not prescribed to him. Tibbens was housed in county jail on warrants; drug charges were also filed through the district court.
• Police reported a DUI occurred Aug. 30 on Montgomery Run Road. According to police, a traffic stop was attempted on 35-year-old Michael Daub of Clearfield. However, he ran inside his home but eventually came out after a short period of time. Upon investigation, it was determined that Daub was under the influence of a controlled substance; he was subsequently housed in county jail.
• Police received a report of trespassing and criminal mischief Aug. 21 on Willow Drive. During the incident, a male allegedly entered the victim’s residence after he was advised not to numerous times and caused damage to her Ring camera. He was charged through the district court.

CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville man is facing two felony rape charges for the alleged sexual assault of a woman with multiple medical conditions.

Daniel I. Swatsworth, 58, is also charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, IDSI threat forcible compulsion and sexual assault, all felonies, and related offenses.

All charges were held to county court for further disposition following a preliminary hearing Wednesday. Currently, bail is set at $100,000 unsecured.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Swatsworth went to check the victim’s Chester Hill home May 16 as an air conditioning unit was being installed the next day.

While completing his assigned work, Swatsworth could smell the odor of marijuana. The affidavit notes the victim has a medical marijuana card and uses marijuana to treat her conditions.

Swatsworth reportedly implied he would “forget” the marijuana odor if the victim did a “sexual favor” for him. The victim repeatedly told Swatsworth no.

Then, she said Swatsworth forced her to perform the sex act and she neither yelled for help nor tried to stop him out of fear he would harm her or her children.

After the assault, the victim said Swatsworth made the comment: “we’re good now” and left.  Swatsworth twice denied the allegations but confessed during a third interview with state police.

DUBOIS – A former DuBois man is facing 68 felony charges for sexually assaulting a girl for over five years.

Douglas Edward Bloom, 43, was charged Wednesday by DuBois City police with various counts of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault person less than 13 years old and aggravated indecent assault of a child.

Bloom is currently in the state prison in Bellefonte where he is serving a 10- to 30-year sentence for raping a child in Jefferson County.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim reported that she had been abused by Bloom while she was at a babysitter’s home in DuBois.

The victim regularly went to Bloom’s nearby apartment where they would play video games and eventually, he started touching her inappropriately, police said.

This reportedly escalated into them performing oral sex on each other and to having intercourse. She said it started when she was four years old and ended when she was 9 years old. The incidents happened up to twice a week, according to the complaint.

She reported that she also saw him sexually assault a friend who was 11 or 12 years old at the time.

In an interview with investigators at the prison, Bloom admitted to “fondling” her a “few” times. He denied having intercourse with her but confirmed they had performed oral sex on each other, according to the report.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a report of tree limb falling onto power lines.  Police secured the area until the appropriate repair company could arrive on-scene.
• Police located a male who was wanted on multiple warrants at an East Cherry Street residence.  The male was taken into custody. 
• Police and fire crews responded to a report of a vehicle fire at a South Front Street establishment.  Fire crews extinguished the flames, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Advocates say a bipartisan effort to seal criminal records for low-level felonies would give more people second chances and boost the Pennsylvania economy.

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss House Bill 1826, which would expand the Clean Slate Act by automatically sealing some low-level felonies.

“While more than 36 million misdemeanor cases have been sealed by Clean Slate so far, many Pennsylvanians who have beat their addictions and moved on to become productive members of society are left with old drug felonies on their record,” Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Camp Hill, wrote in a legislative memo.

If the bill becomes law, some low-level felonies would be sealed after an offender makes it 10 years without committing a crime. Full restitution must have been paid as well. It also excludes those who were sentenced to prison for three years or more or who committed “serious or violent offenses.”

“Millions of Pennsylvanians have been helped and we can do more,” said Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia. “It’s not a Republican policy, not a Democratic policy, but a good policy.”

Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Act passed in 2018 and has served as a model for a handful of states since then. More than 1.2 million people have had a record sealed since Clean Slate’s passage.

Thirty-five states now have some form of felony sealing or expungement, noted Jenna Bottler, deputy director for the Justice Action Network.

HB1826 would make it easier for people to put their past behind them, experts argued.

“We know that individuals who remain crime free for four to seven years are no more likely to commit another crime than a member of the general public, but … only 6.5% of them ever actually achieve that expungement,” Bottler said.

The hearing focused on criminal justice reform, but the potential economic benefits of sealing more records were also discussed.

“We believe that Clean Slate should be part of a broad agenda to address workforce challenges in Pennsylvania,” said Alex Halper, director of government affairs for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

“Employers in Pennsylvania simply cannot find people to fill open positions, and it has harmed our economy and continues to be a significant threat,” Halper said. “This is a workforce crisis. It’s pervasive, it’s severe,” he said, noting that the commonwealth has two job openings for every job seeker.

A conviction can follow people for years, even decades, and makes it harder for workers to get a job.

Gina Davis, a higher education professional who was convicted of a felony drug charge decades ago, spoke of how it has limited her opportunities. She noted that she was recently denied a license to become a notary, after passing the test and paying for it, “because of my $20 criminal felony.”

“I worked really hard to overcome my addiction,” she said. Yet her felony in 1994 has placed some jobs permanently out of reach. “It makes the workplace unbearable for us with criminal records.” 

The biggest negative effects hit Pennsylvanians with criminal records, but their lack of opportunity hurts the state economy as well.

“Accountability is an essential component of justice, but when someone has fulfilled the debt they owe to our community, it is essential that we incentivize them to become productive citizens in their communities,” said Ashley Klingensmith, Pennsylvania state director of Americans for Prosperity. 

One expert, however, cautioned that unintended consequences could come from sealing criminal records.

“Clean Slate legislation is only part of the larger problem known as prison recidivism,” said Joe Harford, founder of cyber security business Reclamere and who completed a PhD at Penn State University on workforce education and development.

Harford noted the troubles of the “ban the box,” which bars questions about criminal history on job applications, and how the policy led to lower employment for young men of color. 

“Employers who want to avoid hiring people with a criminal past may then discriminate against applicants from groups whose criminal records are more common,” Harford said. “Once again, this would most likely harm young men of color who never had a criminal record to begin with.”

Instead, Harford noted alternatives such as investing more in rehabilitation and job training programs. 

“The problem does not start with release. The problem does not start when they get home. The problem starts when they are incarcerated and they are placed in jail or prison,” he said. “We currently do very little to give individuals the skills and support they need to compete in the labor market.”

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.

Name, Address

• Alexander C. Bohensky, DuBois
• Brion K. Brown, Osceola Mills
• Greg L. Butterfuss, Conneaut Lake
• Charles R. Cizio, Morrisdale
• Justin E. Clinton, DuBois
• Jeremiah R. Coder, DuBois
• Dennis S. Collins Jr., DuBois
• Jeremy C. Curry, DuBois
• David H. Duckett, Clearfield
• James I. Esposti III, Mahaffey
• Aaron S. Everett, N.C.
• Nicholas J. Fenush, Morrisdale
• Britton P. Gilbert, DuBois
• James S. Gillen, Burnside
• Kory M. Graw, DuBois   
• Thomas T. Hall, Clearfield
• Jesse L. Keagle, DuBois
• Sean A. Kerchinski, Ridgway
• Christian H. Kirk Jr., West Decatur
• Brandon C. Lefort, Philipsburg
• Shane J. Litzinger, Irvona
• Silvino Lopez, Clearfield
• Allen P. McBride, unknown
• Jerri L. McGary, Madera
• Tyler J. McGlynn, Houtzdale
• Dennis P. Morley, Greensburg KY
• Stephen J. Moskel, Madera
• Bryon E. Mowrey, DuBois
• Thor A. Myers Sr., Unknown Address
• Brett M. O’Connor, Clearfield
• Shawn M. Oshenic, Olanta
• Vincent L. Panebianco, Ridgway
• Matthew G. Petrisko, Westover
• Robert A. Polito III, DuBois
• James A. Potter, Clearfield
• Michael J. Reed, unknown
• Joseph A. Richtarsic, Falls Creek
• Derik Rougeux, Clearfield
• Floyd E. Russell, Clearfield
• Jason P. Schmoke, Clearfield
• Remington C. Scott, Ohio
• Robert W. Sierzega, DuBois
• Tealicia F. Simmons, Clearfield
• Kenneth D. Smith, Olanta
• Patrick W. Smith, Houtzdale
• Paul M. Snyder, Coalport
• Adam L. Sypin, Philipsburg
• Marshall L. Waite, Coalport
• Dana M. Walk, Clearfield
• Jack D. Wallace, Woodland
• Matthew C. Waugaman, Hyde
• Daniel W. Wetzel, Mahaffey
• Jason R. Weymer, Osceola Mills
• Victoria E. Williams, Madera
• Jason W. Witherite, Luthersburg

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 of defiant trespass Aug. 31 at the Sapp Bros. Truck Stop. According to police, information was received regarding a woman who was to be living there. Upon arrival, officers advised the woman to leave but were called back about two hours later. The woman was located and subsequently taken into custody on charges.

Sandy Township

• Police reported a false alarm occurred at the VA Clinic Aug. 29.
• Aug. 29, police received a report of a suspicious male who had been outside a residence the prior evening.  The property owner was concerned because the previous tenant has an active criminal arrest warrant. 
• Police reported a false alarm occurred at a Treasure Lake residence Aug. 29.
• Aug. 29, DuBois Mall Security reported that a female driving a gold-colored SUV had hit and damaged a sign in the mall parking lot.
• Aug. 30, Treasure Lake Security reported that the operator of a dirt bike has been riding on the Silver Woods Golf Course.
• Aug. 30, police reported that a 25-year-old DuBois man lost control of his vehicle in Treasure Lake, causing it to hit and damage an electric pole.  Minor injuries and severe damage occurred as a result
• Aug. 31, police reported that a driver was distracted while traveling on Shaffer Road and was then unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of him that was stopped in traffic.  No injuries and minor damage were reported.
• Aug. 31, a Hungry Hollow Road resident reported that he was not at home, but saw two unknown females with dogs on his door camera.  The women appeared to be under the influence.  However, they were gone from the area upon police arrival.
• Aug. 31, police received a report of a cow on Behringer Highway.  The cow was gone upon police arrival.

DUBOIS – A Johnsonburg man has been charged with drug delivery resulting in death in relation to the drug overdose of a DuBois man.

On Friday, Sandy Township police also charged Codi Allen Hummel, 29, with criminal use of communication facility, involuntary manslaughter and manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Sept. 24, 2021, family members of the victim became concerned after he did not reply to their messages and was not keeping to his usual routine.

One of them got into his locked home by climbing through a porch window and found the victim lying on the bathroom floor. He was already “cold to the touch.”

The victim’s mother told police she last spoke to him on Sept. 22, 2021. She stated that he doesn’t drive and she takes him everywhere, but she hadn’t taken him anywhere in the previous week.

Because she lives nearby, she was able to report that the only person she saw at the residence was Hummel.

Police say the victim was lying between the toilet and vanity. On a countertop, they found a cell phone and a piece of tin foil with burn marks on it, next to a straw. Floating in the toilet was a white stamp bag with a powdery substance still inside.

“It appeared that (the victim) may have snorted the contents of the stamp bag,” the officer noted in the criminal complaint.

An autopsy revealed that the victim died from a Fentanyl overdose and a lab determined the stamp bag contained both heroin and Fentanyl, according to the report.

Investigators say they found messages on the phone from the victim to Hummel, setting up a drug purchase and saw a payment made to Hummel for $50 on Sept. 22, 2021.

Other messages and payments for the purchase of drugs were also reportedly found on the phone.

Family members and friends of the victim related that he would only buy from Hummel. No messages regarding drug sales from anyone else were found.

The case is listed as inactive in online court documents and no preliminary hearing date has been set.

State police at Clearfield

• State police reported a DUI occurred Aug. 27 along the Allport Cutoff in Graham Township. During a sobriety checkpoint, a 25-year-old DuBois man was allegedly found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol.
• State police reported a drug violation occurred Aug. 8 in the area of Sawmill and Park roads in Cooper Township. During the incident, 53-year-old David Coble of Munson was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia. Charges were filed through the district court.
• State police received a report of criminal mischief Sept. 2 on Veterans Street in Gulich Township. During the incident, someone allegedly caused damage to a waterline beside an apartment complex. Troopers have a possible suspect who was operating a newer gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police reported a pursuit occurred Sept. 3 in Houtzdale Borough. During the incident, troopers attempted to stop a blue-colored CAN-AM side-by-side for summary violations; however, its operator reportedly fled at a high rate of speed.  State police were able to identify the operator as 45-year-old David Jacobs of Houtzdale. Charges were filed through the local magistrate’s office.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received multiple reports regarding phone scams.  Residents are reminded to use caution when providing personal information over the phone.   
• Police served a mental health warrant on a Clearfield resident.  Police located the individual while traveling and a vehicle stop was conducted.  The individual was assisted to the hospital without incident. 
• Police received a report of criminal mischief to a Daisy Street business.  Police observed spray-painted images on the front entryway of the establishment.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police assisted fire crews with clearing a large tree limb that was blocking a roadway. 
• Police responded to the South Second Street area, where a suspicious female was reportedly walking on the front porches of multiple residences.  Police located the female who was found to be heavily intoxicated. The female was also wanted on active warrants out of Florida, and subsequently taken into custody. 
• Police responded to an East Market Street apartment building for a report of a large snake on the second floor.  The snake was removed from the building.  

Lawrence Township

•  Police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Sept. 4 in the area of Clearfield – Shawville Highway and Cresswood Drive. During a traffic stop, a 33-year-old Clearfield woman was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance that was not in its original container. Upon further investigation, she was also suspected of being under the influence of controlled substance(s). Charges are pending at this time.
• Police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Sept. 2 on Turnpike Avenue Extension. According to police, a vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate where children were riding bikes. An officer waved his hands in an attempt to have the vehicle slow down, which the driver eventually did. However, he appeared to be holding up a beer can as he drove by. When he stopped, the driver was allegedly found to be under the influence of drugs and to have been drinking. There was an open container inside his vehicle, and he was also in possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report of an assault Sept. 4 on Weaver Street Extension. Charges were filed as a result of the incident.
• Police responded to a reported burglary and assault Sept. 2 at the Edgewood Apartments. Upon investigation, it was allegedly found that a 40-year-old Clearfield man was under the influence of a controlled substance when he entered the victim’s residence and assaulted them. The man was transported for a legal blood draw, and housed in county jail.

PSP Clearfield

State police responded to a report of a male laying in a yard on Blue Ball Rd. in Boggs Twp.  It was discovered that the male had active warrants and was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana was and other drug paraphernalia.  Charges are pending.

State police investigated a theft on the Morrisdale/Allport Hwy. in Morris Twp.  A cooler, suitcase phone holder and bottle of Rain X were removed from a 2017 Yamaha Wolverine.  The investigation continues.

State police responded to an incident of harassment on Patty Ln. in Pike Twp.  Charges of harassment/acts to annoy have been filed against Jeffrey McLaughlin, 58, of Curwensville.

Clearfield Borough

Police located an un-attended wheel chair near the River Walk.  The mobility device was taken back to the police station for safe keeping.  If you have lost a wheelchair, please contact police.  

Police and Fire Crews responded to a report of a fire alarm at a Leavy Ave Apartment Complex.  Police arrived and located large amounts of water coming from a 4th floor water line break.  Police stayed on-scene until water authority personnel arrived.  

Police responded to 613 Williams St for a 911 Hang-up call.  Police arrived and located a male who was visibly irate, paranoid, and admitted to using methamphetamine.  Police spoke with the 911 caller who stated that the male had thrown knives at them.  The male was taken into custody.

Lawrence Township

Police received information from the Loss Prevention staff at the WalMart Supercenter that Brian K. Schloski, 47, was involved in a retail theft in October.  Schloski took an empty cardboard box into the store, placed several items inside the box and left without paying for them.  Charges have been filed.

Police conducted a traffic stop on Supercenter Drive.  Upon investigation it was learned that the driver, Dana Krause, was driving with a suspended license and wanted by state parole.  She was taken into custody and charges were filed.

CLEARFIELD – The trial got under way Wednesday in Clearfield County Court for a Westover man who allegedly sexually assaulted two young girls beginning in 2017.

Moses C. Norris, 77, is facing two counts of rape of child, three counts of criminal attempt-rape of child, two counts of statutory sexual assault, three counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with child, eight counts of corruption of minors, eight counts of indecent assault- person less than 13 years old and three counts of aggravated indecent assault.

Norris “violated” the bodies of these two girls, argued Clearfield County Deputy District Attorney Trudy Lumadue in her opening statements.

She requested that jurors not pass judgment on the girls, if they are unable to recall specific details like dates or the number of incidents because they are just children.

Norris’ attorney, Josh Maines, only asked jurors to keep an open mind before stressing if there’s a reasonable hesitation, his client cannot be convicted of the alleged crimes.

The victims were interviewed separately by investigators at the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County in January and March of 2021.

The first victim testified on Wednesday morning and portions of her video- and audio-recorded forensic interviews with CAC Director Mary Tatum were played in court.

She said the first incident occurred while they were on the couch, and Norris started out by rubbing her back, but his hand moved down into her private area.

After that, the assaults escalated and Norris allegedly had her touch his private area and tried to have sex with her. They also engaged in oral sex, she said.

Though the victim felt what Norris was doing was wrong, she went along with it because Norris made death threats towards her family if she told anyone.

A prosecution expert testified that child sexual assault victims have a tendency to delay reporting of crimes, and also to provide more details over time.

The expert said it’s also not uncommon for child victims to “play along” because they are taught to listen and treat adults with respect.

The trial resumes at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Courtroom No. 1 at the Clearfield County Courthouse with Senior Judge Daniel J. Milliron of Blair County presiding.

Online court documents indicate that Norris’ bail is set at $50,000 monetary, which he posted in April of 2021.

Lawrence Twp.

Police received a call of an erratic driver traveling down Rockton Mt. Hwy.  in to Clearfield Borough.  Police were able to locate the vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 67 year-old male from Clearfield.  Upon investigation in was suspected that the male was under the influence of a controlled substance(s).  A search of the vehicle revealed misbranded medication not in the original prescription bottle.  The male was transported to Penn Highlands for legal blood draw.  Charges are pending lab results.

Police responded to a minor accident in the Big Lots parking lot.  The driver of a 2016 Volvo DL backed the trailer into the front of a parked vehicle.  Minor damage was reported.  No injuries were reported.

PSP Clearfield

State police responded to a School St. residence in Curwensville borough for a reported domestic.  Prior to arrival the arrestee, Robert Myers, 47, of Curwensville, fled the scene.  Charges have been filed.

CLEARFIELD – An Allport man was scheduled for court Wednesday on allegations that he’d assaulted his son.

Jordan M. Gooch, 36, is charged by Clearfield state police with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the investigation began following a third-party complaint that Gooch had struck his 7-year-old son in the face while in the car Sept. 3.

Troopers confirmed the child had suffered facial injuries and responded to a Morris Township residence where Gooch was located.

He reportedly admitted to striking his son for disciplinary reasons; however, the child had bruising below his left eye, a bloody nose, fat lip and two chipped teeth.

The child told state police that his father had struck him, which was confirmed by another witness to whom Gooch related that he’d struck his son with the back of his hand.

Gooch waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday, sending his case to county court. His bail was also modified from $50,000 monetary to unsecured.

CLEARFIELD – The case against a Westover man accused of sexually assaulting two girls beginning in 2017 will go to the jury Friday in Clearfield County Court.

Moses C. Norris, 77, is facing two counts of rape of child, three counts of criminal attempt-rape of child, two counts of statutory sexual assault, three counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with child, eight counts of corruption of minors, eight counts of indecent assault-person less than 13 years old and three counts of aggravated indecent assault.

The investigation began in December of 2020 following a ChildLine report and later got assigned to the crime unit at state police at Punxsutawney.

The victims were interviewed separately by investigators at the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County in January and March of 2021.

The first victim testified on Wednesday morning and portions of her video- and audio-recorded forensic interviews with CAC Director Mary Tatum were played in court.

She said the first incident occurred while they were on the couch, and Norris started out by rubbing her back, but his hand moved down into her private area.

After that, the assaults escalated and Norris allegedly had her touch his private area and tried to have sex with her. They also engaged in oral sex, she said.

Though the victim felt what Norris was doing was wrong, she went along with it because Norris made death threats towards her family if she told anyone.

The second victim testified Thursday morning and portions of her video- and audio-recorded forensic interviews with CAC Case Manager Sierra Clark were played in court.

She reported that Norris touched her private area multiple times in various locations, such as the living room, garage and car. She also said he kissed her on the lips, while he was touching her.

Norris took the stand in his own defense, saying he never had any sexual interactions with the victims “at least not on purpose,” and when pressed under cross-examination, called one victim a liar.

The defense also called multiple character witnesses who testified that Norris had a reputation for being a “peaceful and law-abiding citizen.”

Online court documents indicate that Norris’ bail is set at $50,000 monetary, which he posted in April of 2021.

Court will reconvene at 9 a.m. Friday with closing arguments after which Senior Judge Daniel J. Milliron of Blair County will give jurors their final instruction before deliberations.