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GANT Police Blotter

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Clearfield Borough

  • Police responded to a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of South Front and East Cherry streets.  One of the drivers was reportedly found to be under the influence of alcohol and taken into custody. 
  • Police responded to Power Avenue where a male was lying in the roadway.  Upon arrival on-scene, police reportedly found the male to be heavily intoxicated.  He was released to a sober party; charges are to be filed.
  • Police responded to a report of a male lying in the front yard of a Daisy Street residence.  Upon arrival on-scene, police reportedly found the male to be heavily intoxicated.  He was released to a sober party; charges are to be filed. 
  • Police responded to a Daisy Street establishment where a male was reportedly harassing multiple individuals.  Upon arrival on-scene, police found the male to be heavily intoxicated and disorderly.  The male was taken into custody. 

Gallagher Hired as New CCJ Warden

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CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Jail has a new warden.

During Tuesday’s prison board meeting, David C. Gallagher, who was originally hired as a deputy warden earlier this month, was introduced as the new warden of the facility.

Current Warden David Kessling said Gallagher brings experience to the job because he worked in Virginia state correctional facilities and in a federal prison.

“We are lucky to have his background,” Kessling said.

Gallagher is excited to serve here and “he inspires me,” Kessling added. “I think Clearfield County is in good hands.

Kessling resigned in July but has stayed on to help with the upgrading of the building.

At that time, he gave as his reason for leaving that he has been doing this type of work for a very long time, over 30 years, and he is getting tired.

In his resignation letter, he wrote about his achievements. “Over the past two years, this facility has been under budget for a little over $1.3 million dollars for the first time since 2015.

“We have worked diligently with the District Attorney and police departments to stop the 48-hour holds, have implemented much-needed psychiatric treatment for mentally ill individuals, successfully ended an outdated arbitration award saving thousands of dollars of overtime hours paid and are on track to be under budget again this fiscal year,” according to a previous article.

Gallagher will officially take over on Oct. 3.

There was another good candidate interviewed for the warden position that is being offered the deputy warden job, but he has not accepted it yet, Kessling said.

In other personnel issues, it was noted that two correctional officers have resigned for better paying positions, while another has retired.

When asked by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman about hiring new officers, Kessling responded that 17 people have applied and will be set up for interviews soon.

In other business:

  • Controller Robert Edwards reported that financially the jail is still doing well, but the renovation cost is now over $2.17 million.
  • Kessling said that there are 23 inmates housed in the Jefferson County Jail due to the construction project.
  • There are only two people on work release at this time, but the program has led to over $10,000 in fines being paid to the county.
  • The board discussed the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, which assists inmates addicted to opiates while they are incarcerated. Three different groups did presentations on how they would handle this program and their costs. The board will review their information and make a decision at a later time.

GANT Police Blotter

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PSP Clearfield

State police responded to a Ridge Ave. residence in Curwensville Borough for a report of a dog bite.  It was determined that the dog’s leash/cable was too long which allowed the dog access to a public sidewalk resulting in the victim being bit.  The owner has been cited.

State police responded to a domestic incident in Penn Twp.  Charges have been filed.

EXPLOREJEFFERSON: Former Brookville Police Officer Accused of Groping Woman at Sheetz: “It Probably Wasn’t the Smartest Thing To Do.”

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BROOKVILLE BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – State Police say a former Brookville Borough Police officer is facing charges for groping a woman at Sheetz while he was on-duty for the department in March.

Lewis Run-based State Police filed the following charges against 39-year-old Justin Craig Miller, of Sigel, on September 15:

  • Indecent Assault Without Consent of Other, Misdemeanor 2
  • Harassment – Communication Lewd, Threatening, etc. Language, Misdemeanor 3
  • Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

According to a criminal complaint filed at Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak’s office, the incident happened at Brookville Sheetz on March 18, 2022, at approximately 10:59 p.m.

Video surveillance reviewed by investigators revealed that the victim, a 25-year-old female, entered the West Main Street convenience store with a second female around 10:57 p.m. After shopping for items, the victim and the second female went to the self-checkout area.

At approximately 10:59 p.m., Miller entered the store with another police officer. Both men were in full uniform and working in an on-duty capacity for Brookville Borough Police Department at the time of the incident.

Miller approached both women and allegedly raised his finger to his mouth to symbolize for the second female to “be quiet.”

He then allegedly used his right hand to grab the victim’s buttocks and groin area.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim was immediately startled and turned to face Miller. The second female approached the group as a conversation ensued.

The victim and the second female left the store at approximately 11:04 p.m.

On March 19, the victim reported the incident to Punxsutawney-based State Police. The investigation was initially assigned to the PSP Punxsutawney Crime Unit; however, it was reassigned to a trooper at Lewis Run-based State Police who does not work in Jefferson County and has no ties to the Brookville Borough Police Department.

During a March 23 interview at PSP Punxsutawney, the victim said Miller “walked up behind her and used his hand to smack her buttocks area” while she was at the self-checkout area.

The victim said Miller hit her buttocks area “pretty forcefully,” and then moved his hand in between her legs and touched her genitals.

The victim said she pulled away from Miller at this point and turned to look back at him as she did not know who was behind her, according to the criminal complaint.

She told investigators that she was afraid she would be arrested if she defended herself.

At this point, Miller allegedly stated to the victim: “You should have seen your face.”

Miller allegedly continued to make comments toward the victim as they walked separately around the store.

At one point, Miller allegedly asked the victim: “When are you going to quit being a (expletive) prude?”

According to the criminal complaint, the victim acknowledged that she knew Miller and they communicated frequently through Snapchat; however, she was adamant that she never had an intimate relationship with him.

The victim told investigators that she did not give Miller permission to touch her and that she felt “violated” during the encounter.

On March 23, police interviewed the female who accompanied the victim to the store on the night of the alleged incident.

She told investigators that she was with the victim at the store when Miller made eye contact with her and put his finger to his mouth as a way to tell her to be quiet.

According to the criminal complaint, the witness said that Miller then approached the victim from behind and groped her with his hand.

At this point, the victim turned to Miller and told him that “he was lucky she didn’t hit him.”

She said that after they left the store following the alleged incident, the victim was shaking and became irate.

She also told police that the victim said she would have hit Miller but he “was in uniform and she didn’t want to get arrested for assaulting an officer.”

On March 30, the Brookville Borough Police Officer who was with Miller at the time of the alleged incident was interviewed at PSP Punxsutawney.

According to the criminal complaint, the officer said he didn’t see Miller grab the victim but did recall him saying “Man, she’s (expletive) hot” when they got back into the patrol car.

The officer also told investigators that he recalled asking Miller if “anything was going on between him and the victim” and Miller said “he wanted to but wasn’t sure what her deal was.”

On March 31, Miller was interviewed at PSP Punxsutawney.

Miller told police that he met the victim through a friend and the victim used him as a reference to gain employment.

Miller said they began communicating through Snapchat or Facebook approximately two to three years ago.

According to the criminal complaint, Miller acknowledged “smacking (the victim’s) butt” and “grabbing ahold of her butt.” He also reportedly told police that “looking back it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do.”

Miller also told investigators that he had no prior intimate or sexual relations with the victim and was unable to explain why he “felt comfortable walking up and grabbing the victim in public.”

He denied touching the victim’s genital area, according to the criminal complaint.

A representative of Brookville Borough Police confirmed that Miller is no longer employed by the department.

A preliminary hearing is set for October 25 with Judge Bazylak presiding.

Colombia Man Jailed on Criminal Solicitation, Corruption of Minors Charges

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CLEARFIELD – A Barranquilla, Colombia man is behind bars for trying to meet an individual he believed to be a teenage girl to take to his hotel room, Lawrence Township police say.

Edwin Stick Gomez-Lamadrid, 27, is charged with felony criminal attempt-corruption of minors and misdemeanor criminal solicitation.

According to a department-issued news release, information was received at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 about a male waiting by the McDonalds dumpsters for a 15-year-old girl.

Upon investigation, it was found Gomez-Lamadrid had messaged individuals, believing they were a teen. He allegedly sent a photo of his genitals and sought compromising photos in return.

Gomez-Lamadrid also arranged to take the girl to his hotel room nearby, police said. Subsequently, he was taken into custody and put in county jail on charges.

Wallaceton Man Agrees to Guilty Plea in Sexual Assault Case

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CLEARFIELD – A Wallaceton man accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in January of 2021 agreed to plead guilty Tuesday, and not take his case to trial.

Kenneth J. Ireland, 22, was charged with criminal attempt/rape, criminal solicitation/rape, rape, attempt/indecent assault, statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and related offenses.

According to the affidavit, on Jan. 29, 2021, Ireland carried the victim “bridal style” to a spare bedroom where he sexually assaulted her.

Eventually she pushed him off her and ran to the bathroom where she shut the door. He asked to be let into the bathroom and she refused.

Later she went back into the living room, where Ireland reportedly mentioned that he had been accused of rape before, but claimed he didn’t do it.

Later that same night, he performed a sex act on her, police said, before taking her to a spare room where he sexually assaulted her again.

Ireland was scheduled for a two-day trial Wednesday and Thursday, but it was cancelled and online court documents indicate that Ireland has negotiated a plea agreement.

Ireland’s bail is set at $25,000 secured, which he’s posted.

Lawrence Twp. Police Warn of Scam

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CLEARFIELD – Lawrence Township police are warning residents of a computer scam that’s recently surfaced in the Clearfield area.

According to a department-issued news release, unknown persons are “hacking” into computers, then posing as a Microsoft rep to advise that the devices are compromised.

“These scammers demand their victims go to Lowe’s for a gift card in a large amount to be forwarded to them,” police said.

“Residents should not give out any private information to unknown persons.”

EXPLOREJEFFERSON: Punxsy Man Accused of Threatening to Blow Up Convenience Store

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PUNXSUTAWNEY BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – A local man is facing multiple criminal charges for allegedly threatening to blow up a convenience store in Punxsutawney Borough.

Court documents indicate on September 15, the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 32-year-old Michael Thomas Buchmiller, of Punxsutawney, in Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office.

According to a criminal complaint, police were dispatched to the Uni-Mart on East Mahoning Street in Punxsutawney Borough, Jefferson County, for a report of a customer, later identified as Michael Buchmiller, harassing an employee at 11:41 a.m. on Thursday, September 1.

The victim reported that this is the same customer that another officer had previously dealt with.

Punxsutawney Borough Police responded as officers were informed that the customer had fled the scene in a sport utility vehicle.

Upon arrival, an officer met with a responding officer with the Indiana University of Indiana Police Department, who stated that Buchmiller was out of control and irate.

The officer also stated that Buchmiller threatened to blow the place up, the complaint states.

In an interview with police, the victim stated she was working the register when she saw Buchmiller pacing behind a group of customers while talking on his cellular telephone.

She and Buchmiller made eye contact, and he began to speak. The victim explained she stopped him mid-sentence and “courteously” told him, “Nah ah, you’re out. I told you before you’re not allowed in here,” according to the complaint.

The victim told police that this infuriated Buchmiller, who then reportedly called the victim explicit names, before stating, “(Expletive) this place. I’ll blow this place up!”

Buchmiller then got into his vehicle and left the scene, the complaint notes.

He faces the following charges:

– Terroristic Threats with Intent to Terrorize Another, Misdemeanor 1 (three counts)
– Defiant Trespassing – Actual Communication to Actor, Misdemeanor 3
– Disorderly Conduct – Engage in Fighting, Misdemeanor 3 (three counts)
– Criminal Trespass/Simple Trespasser, Summary
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary (three counts)

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, at 1:15 p.m. with Judge Mizerock presiding. 


GANT Weekend Police Blotter

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State police at Clearfield

  • State police received a report of theft Sept. 19 in Cooper Township. During the incident, the victim allegedly paid $630 online for a black lab. Upon investigation, troopers determined it to be a “fake Web site.” The investigation continues.
  • State police received a report of theft Sept. 18 in Decatur Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took the victim’s scooter; however, it was found and upon return to the owner, they didn’t desire to press charges.
  • State police reported drug violations occurred Sept. 8 in Woodward Township. According to state police, Daniel Phillips, 44, of Houtzdale contacted troopers over an active argument with his live-in girlfriend, 43-year-old Crystal Herman, also of Houtzdale. Upon arrival on-scene, Herman advised troopers that Phillips had drugs – namely methamphetamine – and paraphernalia inside a safe, which she opened. Phillips then stated Herman had a large smoking device for meth, which state police said contained residue. Both Phillips and Herman have been charged through the district court.

Allport Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine

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JOHNSTOWN – An Allport woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced Monday.

Tammie Brolin, 54, 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, Brolin conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 31, 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 Brolin.

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.

Philipsburg Man Sent to State Prison for Road Rage Incident

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CLEARFIELD – A Philipsburg man convicted of assault and related charges in a road rage case, was sentenced to state prison Tuesday.

Police say Michael Wayne Welder, 36, got out of his vehicle after he was nearly hit by a dump truck, and yelled at the driver while threatening him with a knife on Jan. 18 in Houtzdale.

The victim stated that Welder’s vehicle passed his truck before coming to an abrupt stop in front of him. He said he did not hit Welder’s vehicle, but Welder claimed that he did.

After this, Welder screamed “I’ll kill you!” while brandishing a knife, according to the affidavit.

Witnesses to the altercation described Welder’s behavior as “out of line.”

Police were able to recover a pocket knife from him.

After a trial in July, he was found guilty of misdemeanor terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and three counts of disorderly conduct.

On Tuesday, First Assistant District Attorney Leanne Nedza asked Judge Paul E. Cherry to sentence Welder in the top of the standard range for his offenses because the victim “was terrified” by the attack. She also commented that she is concerned about his anger issues.

Cherry sentenced him to serve 18 months to three years in state prison.

Clearfield Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine

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JOHNSTOWN – A Clearfield woman has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced Tuesday.

Senior U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Nicole Gaines, 42.

According to information presented to the court, from July of 2019 to June of 2020, Gaines conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Gaines.

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 Trooper Seriously Injured in Encounter with Houtzdale Man, 4 Large Dogs

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WOODWARD TOWNSHIP – A state trooper was seriously injured in an encounter with a man and his dogs in Woodward Township Tuesday night.

The trooper was responding to the home on Sept. 27 at 8:47 p.m. in response to a theft report.

“During the investigation, the complainant became argumentative and aggressive and assaulted the trooper,” a police report states.

The physical altercation involved 45-year-old George Suhoney of Houtzdale and his four large dogs.

According to the affidavit, Suhoney was upset that his wife had entered his residence and removed property, which he wanted to report as stolen.

After the trooper told him it would be a civil matter because it was marital property belonging to both of them, Suhoney reportedly became enraged and threw a large metal carpenter square at the officer, striking him in the chest.

The trooper attempted to take Suhoney into custody, but he resisted and “a physical altercation ensued.”

During the fight, Suhoney allegedly struck the trooper in the face with a closed fist, causing a laceration about his right eye and injury to his face.

As they struggled on the floor, Suhoney tried to “disarm and or remove a weapon” from the trooper’s duty belt.

Suhoney’s four dogs also attacked the trooper, “causing serious bodily injury.”

The defendant did not try to stop the dogs but did ask the trooper not to shoot them.

Eventually the trooper was able to take Suhoney into custody.

The injured officer was transported to Penn Highlands Clearfield for treatment of multiple injuries to his legs, arms, face and right ear, requiring plastic surgery, according to the criminal complaint.

Suhoney was charged Wednesday with two counts of aggravated assault, felony disarming a law enforcement officer, and misdemeanor simple assault and resisting arrest as well as a summary harassment offense. He is being held in the county jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5 during centralized court.

Man Charged with Aggravated Assault Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charges

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CLEARFIELD – A Florida man charged with four counts of aggravated assault for threatening two juveniles with a large knife, pleaded guilty to lesser charges Tuesday.

Dennis Lee Stiner, 67, whose address was listed as Lothian, Md., when the charges were filed, was originally charged with 15 different counts of various offenses, including aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and harassment by Lawrence Township police.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Sept. 6, 2021, police were called to an active fight involving a “machete” at a Montgomery Run Road location. Reports were that a man had a large knife that he was holding on two brothers.

When police arrived, the older male involved, later determined to be Stiner, was “actively trying to fight” with a juvenile. Both of them had their fists up in the “fighting position.”

After they were told to get off the road, the juvenile complied, but Stiner did not and had to be forced off the road. He was detained and placed in handcuffs.

A female juvenile told police she had the entire incident on video, which an officer was able to watch.

In the video, he saw Stiner and the boy throwing punches at each other as the other juveniles were yelling.

The fight deescalates with Stiner going back into a trailer and the juveniles also returning to a home.

Then, one of the juveniles yells “put the knife down” and the camera pans back to Stiner, who has a large sheathed knife in his hands.

He removes the knife before approaching the juveniles again, saying he was going to “cut their [expletive] heads off.”

Eventually he drops the knife and begins to have a fist fight with one of the juveniles in the middle of the road where he was taken into custody.

The knife was found on the deck of the trailer.

Because Stiner was intoxicated, he was placed in a holding cell at the Lawrence Township police station.

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of simple assault for which Judge Paul Cherry sentenced him to 10 days to one year in jail with two years probation.

Stiner was ordered to complete anger management counseling and to not have any contact with the victims.

GANT Police Blotter

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Clearfield Borough

  • Police responded to Penn Highlands Clearfield for an incoming ambulance. Personnel had requested assistance with moving a patient from the ambulance to the emergency room. 
  • Police responded to the area of East Pine Street for an argument involving two people.  Upon arrival, police warned the individuals of their actions. 
  • Police received multiple 911 calls from a male stating that his internet service was not working.  Police warned the male of misuse of the 911 system.  
  • Police responded to an East Market Street residence for a report of trespassing.  Upon arrival, police learned a female was trespassing inside a vacant apartment; she was also determined to be on probation.  The female was subsequently taken into custody. 
  • Police responded to an East Pine Street residence for a reported break-in.  Upon arrival, police located the ex-girlfriend of the caller who had broken his front door and gained entry to the enclosed porch area of the home.  The female was taken into custody. 

Cases Against 3 Men Facing Sex Offenses Discussed in Motions Court

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CLEARFIELD – Three men facing charges for various sexual offenses were in Tuesday’s session of motions court, asking for their bail to be reduced.

Brandon James Spencer, 27, of Mahaffey is charged with felony counts of rape-unconscious victim, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse-person unconscious and sexual assault in one case and misdemeanor indecent assault in a second case.

These charges stem from incidents in Lawrence Township on June 11 when he allegedly touched the victim inappropriately and then sexually assaulted her.

Spencer’s bail is set at a combined $110,000, said his attorney Ryan Dobo.

Dobo asked Judge Paul Cherry to lower the amount to something Spencer might be able to afford and suggested he be put on supervised bail.

First Assistant District Attorney Leanne Nedza noted that due to the nature and seriousness of the charges, she was opposed to any reduction in bail.

She commented that Spencer had only been out of state prison for a week when this new crime was committed.

Cherry denied Spencer’s motion to reduce his bail.

Nedza made a motion to combine the two cases, which involve the same victim, to have only one trial for both. Cherry granted this motion.

Reed Eugene Meeker, 39, of Osceola Mills is charged with one felony count of criminal solicitation-child pornography.

Police say they were contacted in July by members of a child predator exploitation organization who had been texting with him. He believed they were young girls.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, they provided investigators with multiple text conversations, during which Meeker described sexual acts he wanted to perform on the girls and asked for photos of the two doing sexual things to each other.

During the chat, Meeker’s face and private area were reportedly visible.

At one point, he said that when they meet, he wanted the girls to wear dresses with no underwear and explicitly described what he wanted to do to them.

Throughout the texts, Meeker repeatedly requested photos of the girls performing sexual acts, according to the report.

Meeker was identified by his Pennsylvania Megan’s Law registration photograph.

In an interview with investigators, Meeker reportedly admitted to soliciting photographs from whom, he believed were two females under the age of 12.

He is being held in the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Meeker’s attorney Karen Muir asked Cherry to lower his bail because he doesn’t have the ability to post that amount. She suggested his bail be unsecured but supervised.

She explained he is needed because he is the caregiver for his father-in-law.

She mentioned that his bail restrictions could prohibit him from using any computers, tablets, phones etc.

Muir also commented that the charges came about because individuals target men on the Megan’s Law list and encourage them to violate their parole.

Online court records show that Meeker pleaded guilty to sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, two counts of indecent assault and two counts of corruption of minors in Centre County in 2005.

It was at that time he was determined to be a sexually-violent predator.

Nedza stated she was opposed to any bail reduction due to the seriousness of the charges, saying that no amount of supervision will “protect the public if he has access to technology” since he likes to solicit photos from teenagers.

Cherry stated he would take this bail reduction request under advisement, making a decision at a later time.

Victor Ren Taylor, 41, of Morrisdale is charged with four counts of misdemeanor indecent assault, along with a summary offense of harassment in connection to an incident on Aug. 24 in Morris Township.

According to his affidavit, the victim was leaving a residence on Church Street when Taylor approached her vehicle’s driver side window. He crossed his arms and rested them on the frame of her vehicle.

He then asked “may I?” before reaching into the vehicle to grab her chest. She was able to push him away, saying “no!” but he tried three more times. She was unable to block one of his attempts and he grabbed her left breast over the top of her shirt.

His close proximity to the vehicle made it difficult for her to drive away, but after she told him she was going to mace him, he retreated from the window and she left.

On Tuesday, Taylor’s attorney, Daniel Nelson, said Taylor can’t afford his $50,000, monetary bail or any monetary bail. He noted that Taylor has mental health issues but is getting treatment at the jail.

Cherry said if Taylor has mental problems, he may need a psychiatric evaluation.

Nedza stated that if the jail thinks it is necessary, he could be sent for an evaluation, but she wanted his bail to stay the same.

She noted that Taylor has another conviction in Blair County.

Online court documents show that he was declared a sexually-violent predator in October of 2015 for another case of indecent assault in Blair County.

Cherry dismissed Taylor’s modification of bail request.

McDonald’s Employee Charged with Felony Theft

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CLEARFIELD – An employee has been charged with the theft of over $6,700 from the Clearfield McDonald’s Restaurant on South Second Street.

According to a report issued by Lawrence Township police, 30-year-old Tara Patel of Kylertown took numerous bank deposits, as well as money from the business’ safe

In total, Patel allegedly stole $6,709.61 between Aug. 27 and Sept. 18; felony theft charges were filed through the magisterial district court.

GANT Police Blotter

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Sandy Township

  • Police reported a false alarm occurred Sept. 25 at an Industrial Drive business. 
  • A 17-year-old Punxsutawney girl lost control of her Jeep Sept. 25 on Kilmer Road, causing it to overturn and come to rest upright with moderate damage.  No injuries were reported.  
  • Police reported a false alarm occurred Sept. 26 at Spirit Halloween 
  • On Sept. 26, a 27-year-old Connecticut man reported that after he got fuel for his tractor-trailer, the driver behind him started yelling and eventually punched his truck causing a dent.  The man then went back to his truck and left the scene.   
  • On Sept. 27, Dollar General employees made a report regarding an attempted fraudulent transaction.  The actors left the scene prior to the call without obtaining any money. 
  • On Sept. 27, a young woman pulled into a parking space at the DuBois Mall when a suspicious van pulled in behind her.  The van’s operator drove away only to return. This time they parked, then backed out and drove away again.   
  • Police reported a false alarm occurred Sept. 27 at Aldi’s.
  • On Sept. 28, a tractor-trailer driver reported that while his truck was parked in the Pilot parking lot, another truck, which was pulling into the space next to it, scraped his spare tire on one of the vehicles he was hauling.   
  • On Sept. 28, a 45-year-old Dixon Avenue woman reported that a few days earlier, her 59-year-old boyfriend assaulted her and destroyed her house before leaving.   
  • On Sept. 28, a man reported that his vehicle had been broken into and his stereo was taken.

2 DuBois Men Charged in Robbery, Assault

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DUBOIS – Two DuBois men are facing robbery charges for allegedly assaulting and stealing money from a DuBois man.

Alexander C. Bohensky, 25, and Matthew Wayne Pearson II, 27, are both charged with two felony counts of robbery, and misdemeanor simple assault as well as felony theft by unlawful taking in connection with an incident in DuBois City on Wednesday.

According to the affidavits of probable cause, police were called to the residence in response to a report of a man and woman arguing.

When they arrived, they learned the man had been assaulted by two men who took over $4,200 from him. The perpetrators had fled the scene, but a witness said she thought they may be at a Grant Street residence.

Police responded to that address where a woman gave them access to the home and permission to search for the two suspects.

Pearson was reportedly found on the second floor and Bohensky was hiding under a blanket between a washing machine and wall.

Police say Person had $2,500 in cash and Bohensky had $2,260, all in twenties.

The victim and witness told investigators that both men were in his home when the two started to fight with him. The witness tried to get between the three of them, but was pushed away.

She said they took the victim to the ground and struck him with closed fists. While he was down, they reportedly continued to strike and kick him.

One of them said “I got it! Come on!” before fleeing, according to the criminal complaint.

When they were gone, the victim checked his pockets and discovered they had taken the cash from him, he told police.

He had this amount of cash on hand to pay attorney fees totaling $4,000, but he had a few hundred more then he owed, he explained. The money was all in twenties.

An officer noted in the report that the victim had visible bruising and abrasions on his face and arms.

Once in custody, Bohensky refused to answer questions without an attorney. Pearson agreed to speak with investigators, admitting he fought with the victim but denying the robbery allegations, police said.

Pearson and Bohensky are scheduled for preliminary hearings on Oct. 7 during centralized court at District Judge Dave Meholick’s office in DuBois.

They are lodged in the Clearfield County Jail without bail being set since robbery is a non-bailable offense.

GANT Weekend Police Blotter

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Clearfield Borough

  • Police arrested a female who was reportedly found inside a vacant apartment building.  She was charged with trespassing and lodged in Clearfield County Jail.
  • Police arrested a female on East Pine Street who reportedly kicked in the door to a residence.  She was located and determined to be intoxicated.  Upon arrest, she became combative with officers and was taken to county jail.
  • Police responded to South Second Street where juveniles were reportedly sitting in the turning lane.  However, upon arrival, police were unable to locate anyone.
  • Police were called to the Clearfield Riverwalk after a dog reportedly attacked another dog.  No injuries were observed on either dog.
  • Police assisted U.S. Marshals on East Pine Street with locating a male who had absconded from New Jersey parole.  The male was in an apartment and taken into custody.
  • Police received a report of theft where males allegedly entered an unlocked vehicle parked at ZIP Trip and removed a money bag.  The investigation continues.
  • Police were called to North Third Street where a male and female were reportedly engaged in an argument.  Upon arrival on-scene, officers found the male had left.

Lawrence Township

  • Police reported the arrest of Alissa K. Moore, 43, of Scotrun, Pa., on charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness in connection with a Sept. 30 incident at a Lawrence Township business. According to police, the victim attempted to take a bottle of vodka from her mother, Moore, due to her emotional and highly-intoxicated state. A physical altercation ensued, during which Moore allegedly started punching the victim in the face. On-scene, officers observed a blood trail in the parking lot; the victim was also reportedly covered in blood. She was treated by emergency personnel and transported to the hospital for further evaluation of minor injuries. Moore was arraigned Oct. 1 with her bail set at $10,000 unsecured.
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