Fraud, forgery

SHAMOKIN - State police at Stonington are investigating the use of a stolen credit card number belonging to Barry M. Buriak, 68, of 451 Dogwood Road.

An unidentified actor used Buriak's numbers to make $1,500 worth of out-of-state purchases over 28 transactions between noon June 14 and 1 p.m. June 25, police said.

Driver charged

LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - A Sunbury driver will be cited in connection with a traffic accident at 3:15 a.m. June 19, according to state police at Stonington.

Trooper Mark Adams reported that Charles Hallabaugh, 37, was traveling east in a 1998 Ford F150 on Hallowing Run Road when he left the roadway and side-swiped a tree on the south side of the road, crossed the road and then struck a ditch along the north side.

He was not injured and he was wearing his seatbelt, police said.

Harassment

DORNSIFE - Harassment charges have been filed against Aron Michael Stauffer, 30, of 40 S. 11th St., Apartment 107, Sunbury, according to state police at Stonington.

Trooper Marc Yemzow said a 29-year-old Dornsife female was allegedly being harrassed by Stauffer between 10:40 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. June 21 at 4958 Route 225.

Harassment

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - Harassment charges are pending against an individual who allegedly punched Wynter Snyder, 18, of Trevorton, in the head at 8:40 p.m. June 20, according to state police at Stonington.

Trooper Wendy Keefer reported that the incident occurred on private property off Route 2044.

The accused was not named in the police report.

Windshield smashed

COAL TOWNSHIP - A township woman punched and smashed a vehicle windshield during a domestic dispute June 15 on Hemlock Street, township police say.

According to police, Amy Snyder, Shayla Snyder and Stephen Hornberger were engaged in a shouting match outside 1435 Hemlock St., cussing and threatening one another, and despite several warnings, their behavior continued after the arrival of officers.

Shayla Snyder is accused of spitting in the face of Kathy Derck and then punching the windshield on Derck's Chrysler Pacifica. She told officers she punched the vehicle in order to prevent an attack from Hornberger after he allegedly raised his fist to her face, police said.

The incident was reported at 5:19 p.m.

Shayla Snyder, 22, of 1544 W. Mulberry St., is charged with disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and harassment.

Amy Snyder, 24, and Hornberger, 27, who live together at 1435 Hemlock, are each charged with disorderly conduct.

Damage to Derck's vehicle is estimated at $731.88, police said.

Charged with theft

TREVORTON - A 16-year-old male is accused by Zerbe Township Police of breaking into vehicles June 14 and June 15 and stealing electronics and other items.

A juvenile petition will be filed with Northumberland County juvenile authorities charging him with theft, theft from motor vehicles, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police.

He was remanded to Northwestern Academy.

Amy Gearhart, 38, of 117 Hart St., Stiely's Trailer Park, is charged with corruption of minors and receiving stolen property. She is currently in Northumberland County Prison for a probation violation, police said.

Police Chief Robert John and Patrolman Josh Moyer, along with two state troopers, served search warrants on a pair of vehicles, one parked near 225 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, and a second near Gearhart's residence.

Numerous stolen items were recovered from both vehicles, including satellite radios and GPS devices. Other items believed stolen but not reported as such were also recovered.

Anyone believing to own any of the items are asked to call police at 797-4637.

Pot possession

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two women are each accused of possessing marijuana outside State Corrections Institute/Coal Township in separate incidents just minutes apart earlier this month.

Trooper Brian Ronk, Stonington station, alleges Jacqueline Nadine Wright, 37, of Philadelphia, had parked in the prison lot and then slipped a plastic vial containing a small amount of pot inside her purse prior to attempting a visit at 10:55 a.m. June 13.

That vial was found during a search of her purse by prison personnel and a second vial was found inside her vehicle, Ronk said.

At 11 a.m., Trooper Thomas Leib, Stonington station, said Nadia Joanlitt Dorson, 30, of Brooklyn, N.Y., consented to a search of her vehicle during which a small amount of pot was found in the glove box and marijuana residue was found on the driver-side floor and in the ash tray.

Rolling papers were found in her purse, Leib said.

Both women are charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Truck crashes

SHAMOKIN DAM - The Veteran's Memorial Bridge off-ramp was closed several hours after a tractor-trailer driver drove over an embankment early Friday.

State police at Selinsgrove said Harpal Singh Brar, 29, of Ontario, Canada, was driving a 2006 Kenworth towards Shamokin Dam and was approaching a left curve at 4:14 a.m. when the crash occurred.

The off-ramp was reported closed at 6:30 a.m. and reopened at 12:15 p.m.

Brar was not injured, troopers said.

Neighbors fight

COAL TOWNSHIP - A brawl in the 1000 block of West Pine Street in May left a woman with a concussion, her husband with a broken hand and two of their neighbors facing assault charges.

According to police, Roslyn Nairns twice assaulted Robin Dorkoski, including after the latter had called 911, and had to be pulled away by a neighbor.

Nairns told police that she attacked Dorkoski because the woman was "running her mouth," police said.

Dorkoski's husband, John, was allegedly assaulted in the same incident by Roman Marshall.

The fight occurred about 6:20 p.m. May 5 in front of the Dorkoski's home at 1013 W. Pine St.

Nairns, 29, and Marshall, 44, both of 1011 W. Pine St., are each charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

The alleged victims were treated for injuries at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

DUI

TREVORTON - A village man is accused of driving under the influence following a traffic stop May 26 in Zerbe Township.

John Derwin Reed Jr., 51, of 225 S. 11th St., is charged by Trooper Nathan Wenzel, of state police at Selinsgrove, with two counts of DUI and three traffic violations.

Wenzel said Reed was observed traveling in the wrong lane of traffic, failing to stop for a stop sign and crossing the double-yellow line while driving on various streets in the village shortly before 1:30 a.m.

His vehicle was stopped by troopers on Route 2044, 1/2 mile off Route 225.

Troopers said Wenzel exhibited signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety testing. His blood alcohol level was 0.176 percent, troopers said.

BIG MINE RUN - A violent two-vehicle collision Monday morning on state Route 54 between Ashland and Girardville sent both drivers to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

According to a hospital spokesperson, Brenda Sachleben, 45, of 232 W. Main St., Girardville, was listed in critical condition Monday afternoon. The other driver, Natalie Cherkoski, 41, of 414 W. New York St., Shenandoah, was listed in serious condition. Both were flown by two Life Flight helicopters to the medical center.

The crash occurred about 10 a.m. between Big Mine Run Road and the "Y" intersection near Homesville, with fire units responding from Girardville and Ashland, ambulances from Girardville, Ashland and Shenandoah, and police from Butler Township and Frackville.

The first fire official on scene was Ashland Second Assistant Fire Chief Charles Orth, who heard the alert from the Schuylkill Communication Center as he was leaving an Ashland business a short distance away.

"I first heard it was at Big Mine Run Road, but when I got there, there was nothing. I drove a bit more and saw that car (Chrysler)," said Orth. "This car (Hyundai) was smoking when I got here. I called it in (to the communication center) that people were trapped. They were both conscious when I arrived. She (Sachleben) was heavily entrapped."

After the crash, the Chrysler was in the westbound lane of Route 54 and facing east. The Hyundai was well off the berm of the eastbound lane facing west.

Richard Weikel, who lives on Woodland Heights, a street in Big Mine Run, could hear the crash from his home.

"I couldn't see the crash from my house, but it sounded like dynamite it was so loud," said Weikel. "I told my wife to call 911 that there was a bad accident, and I drove here."

Butler Township Police Chief Edward Tarantelli was on the scene as the fire and ambulance crews did their jobs in removing the crash victims. Both vehicles sustained major damage, particularly to the front driver's sides. Using the "Jaws of Life," the Hyundai was cut apart to reach Sachleben. Members of the Rangers Hose Company, Girardville, and Washington Fire Company, Ashland, removed her from the car, assisted by a LifeFlight helicopter crew, to prepare Sachleben for the trip. Ambulances took both women to the Girardville Little League field, where a landing zone was set up.

Tarantelli said the cause of the crash is still undetermined. The investigation continues with him and township Lt. Daniel Holderman, who is a state-certified accident reconstructionist.

"We don't know which direction they were going yet," said Tarantelli. "Based on the marks on the road, we have an impact point, but we're not sure which direction the vehicles were traveling until we can speak with the drivers. We'll also get search warrants for the 'black boxes' in each car that will help us determine the speeds and if there was any brake pressure applied during the time of the accident."

Tarantelli added that a tan Pomeranian dog was in Cherkoski's vehicle and ran off after the crash, possibly toward Big Mine Run and Ashland.

Rider critical

PAXINOS - Emil J. Reibsome, 59, of Shamokin is listed in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center, following a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon on Route 61 near Reading Turnpike Road in Paxinos.

Reibsome was injured when the motorcycle he was riding left the roadway and struck a guardrail. Reibsome was ejected, went over the guardrail and landed on nearby railroad tracks.

Reckless endangerment

TREVORTON - A Herndon man was charged following an incident at the intersection of Shamokin and Eighth streets in Trevorton at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

State police at Stonington report Ricky A. Buckles, 51, of Herndon, allegedly used his vehicle to ram another vehicle operated by Boyd E. Lahr, 57, of Trevorton, while Lahr had two boys, ages 5 and 7, inside it. Once Lahr stopped the vehicle, police say Buckles then approached him and struck Lahr repeatedly in the face, then forcibly removed the two children from the vehicle. The children were later located and found to be safe.

According to investigating officer Trooper Wendy Keefer, Buckles was charged with interfering with the custody of children, endangering the welfare of children and harassment.

Fatal crash

LYKENS - Randy Wenrich, 58, of Spring Glen, died in a one-vehicle crash on Route 25 at Joss Lane, Lykens Township, Dauphin County.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael J. Trotta, of the Lykens barracks, reported that at 7:40 a.m. Monday, he responded to the scene of a one-vehicle crash. The vehicle was occupied by Wenrich, who was pronounced dead at the scene by a member of the Dauphin County Coroner's office.

The investigation into the crash is continuing.

Two cited

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough Police Officer David Donkochik cited Jennifer L. Wunder, 32. and Candice M. Sanner, 29, both of 120 S. Poplar St., for disorderly conduct for creating a physically offensive condition during an incident at 6:49 p.m. June 19 at their residence.

Police and fire officials were dispatched for an unknown fire at the rear of the residence. Upon arrival, officers found that the two residents were burning furniture, insulation and a nylon tent canopy, causing a large amount of black smoke in the area, and prompting neighbors to call 911.

Assisting Donkochik at the scene were Borough Police Officer Shane Reamer, the Mount Carmel Fire Department and the Mount Carmel Fire Police.

Possession of paraphernalia

MOUNT CARMEL - A 16-year-old Mount Carmel male has been placed in Northwestern Academy following an incident at 3:08 p.m. June 18 on South Apple Street.

Mount Carmel Borough Police Officer David Donkochik reported that at that time, police were called to the 00 block of South Apple Street for a person laying in the street. Upon arrival, the 16-year-old, who was a bystander, fled the area on foot and was apprehended by police. A search discovered that the male had drug paraphernalia on his person, and is on juvenile probation.

The person found in the street, Jeffrey T. Huben, 21, of 516 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, was cited for public drunkenness after being found face down in the alleyway. Huben appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance at the time, police said.

Assisting Donkochik was borough police officer Shane Reamer.

Theft of jewelry

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington continue to investigate the theft of jewelry from a residence on Slutter Valley Road, Washington Township, sometime between 8 a.m. June 19 and 3 p.m. June 20.

Police say that the victim, Patricia A. Whary, of Dornsife, discovered two wedding rings missing from a bedroom jewelry box. A female suspect was not named in a police report, but had been contracted to clean the victim's residence.

Two involved in fracas

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough police investigated a physical domestic incident in the 00 block of South Oak Street on May 27 that resulted in a juvenile female being charged with terroristic threats.

Patrolman Kevin A. Katch reported officers who were dispatched at 2:56 p.m. that day for the incident found John Koschoff, 54, of Greco Lane, Mount Carmel, bleeding from a scratch on the left side of his face. He stated he was in a physical altercation with a juvenile female, who was attempting to get a knife. Officers then spoke to the 17-year-old female from Mount Carmel, who told police she was attacked by Koschoff and attempted to get the knife in self-defense.

The entire incident was captured by a surveillance system and Koschoff allowed police to get the tape. After viewing, the female was charged in juvenile court with harassment and terroristic threats, while Koschoff was cited for harassment.

Driver cited

SHAMOKIN DAM - Harpal Singh Brar, 29, of Ontario, Canada, has been cited by police for failure to drive a vehicle at a safe speed following a crash Friday morning at the off-ramp of the Veterans Memorial Bridge into Shamokin Dam.

State police at Selinsgrove said Brar was driving a 2006 Kenworth toward Shamokin Dam and was approaching a left curve at 4:14 a.m. when the crash occurred, with the truck traveling down an embankment.

The off-ramp was reported closed at 6:30 a.m. and reopened at 12:15 p.m. Brar was not injured.

Two fights

MOUNT CARMEL - Matthew Derr, 20, of 34 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, and Daniel Williams, 28, of 301 W. Third St., Mount Carmel were cited for disorderly conduct by Mount Carmel Borough Police Cpl. Christopher Buhay following a disturbance and physical fight at 7:10 p.m. June 16 at a South Chestnut Street residence.

At 9:45 p.m. that same day, Mark Derr, 19, of 300 W. Third St., Apt. 11, Mount Carmel, Joshua Derr, 29, of 439 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel, and Michael Williams, 29, of 1426 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, were cited by Buhay for disorderly conduct following a fight at the same residence.

EXCELSIOR - One man was taken into custody and seven others transported to area medical centers following a two-vehicle crash Monday on Route 901 in Mount Carmel Township.

James Fleury was identified by a township police officer as the driver of a Ford Windstar that collided with a Ford Bronco on its driver-side about 5:20 p.m. in the northbound lane.

Fleury underwent field sobriety testing at the scene and was handcuffed and transported to the township station. However, Patrolman Matthew Filarski, the investigating officer, said Fleury would not face charges for impaired driving and was not arrested.

Filarski would not offer further comment on the identifies of the accident victims or on how the crash occurred.

There were five occupants in the Bronco and three in the minivan, police said. At least four of the occupants were children.

Medical personnel said the injured were bound for Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

Fleury was the lone occupant not transported to an area hospital immediately following the collision.

The Bronco was towing an empty car dolly, and there was a disabled Ford Taurus wagon on the southbound berm.

Assisting were AREA Services, Elysburg Ambulance, Coal Township Police and Coal Township Fire Department and Fire Police.Victims not identified in Route 901 crash

SHENANDOAH - Shenandoah police filed charges against a Freeland man charging him with failing to return money he mistakenly received from his former employer earlier this year.

Richard R. Tomko Jr., 37, of 1125 Burton St., was charged with theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake and receiving stolen property.

Patrolman Laurie Dudash said the charges against Tomko were filed Friday with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Dudash said the theft came to light June 6, when she was notified by Mrs. T's Pierogies, also known as ATEECO Inc., whose staff reported that on May 8, they terminated Tomko as an employee after almost two years.

Company administrators said that on May 24, Tomko was issued three checks, one for one unused personal days, one for unused vacation time and his last paycheck.

The following day, Dudash said Tomko went to Mrs. T's, was given the checks and returned his key and policy book.

On June 4, Dudash said the company discovered it had overpaid Tomko a

gross amount of $16,735 with a net amount of $10,402. The amount Tomko should have received would was a gross amount of $1,059 or a net pay of $831.55.

Dudash said payroll employees made the error in documenting the hours Tomko actually worked.

Attempts to contact Tomko to correct the error were unsuccessful and Dudash said she determined Tomko cashed the checks May 29.

Dudash said Tomko was contacted June 6 and admitted to cashing the checks.

He was asked to return any unused portion of the funds in order to correct the mistake but Tomko said he had spent all of the money and was unable to return it, Dudash said.

She said that when Tomko was told he would be facing criminal charges, he replied, "Do what ya gotta do."

2-car crash

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - One person was taken to a hospital for treatment following a two-vehicle crash at noon Tuesday at the intersection of Greenwood Street and Route 225.

State police at Stonington said a 2005 Jeep Laredo, driven by Lora Sandahl, 57, of Ralpho Road, Elysburg, was traveling south on Greenwood Street when she failed to stop at a stop sign, crossing Route 225 and into the path of a 2008 Nissan, driven by Benjamin DeFacis, 67, of Market Street, Trevorton.

A passenger in DeFacis's vehicle, Linda DeFacis, of Market Street, Trevorton, was transported by AREA Services to an unidentified hospital as a precaution, police said.

The investigation continues.

Crash update

ATLAS - A driver involved in a two-vehicle crash Monday on Route 901 in Excelsior was attempting a U-turn when the accident occurred, Mount Carmel Township police confirmed Tuesday.

Patrolman Matt Filarski said Seandavid Gould, 29, of Saint Clair, was driving a Ford Bronco north and towing an empty car dolly when he pulled onto the berm.

According to the police officer, Gould said there was no traffic traveling in either direction when he sought to make the turn into the southbound lane in order to tow away a disabled vehicle on the southbound berm.

However, in making that turn, his vehicle was struck broadside at about 5:20 p.m. by a Ford Windstar driven by James Fleury Jr., of New York.

Filarski said the crash remains under investigation.

Gould told The News-Item Tuesday that Fleury was following him to the disabled vehicle and that its owners, Tracy Hesler, 42, and Jack Larizzio, 44, who were both staying with friends in Ashland, were passengers in Fleury's vehicle.

Hesler and Larizzio were among the people transported to area hospitals for treatment. Also injured were Gould and his passengers, Ashley Ditzel-Gould, 26, of Saint Clair, a 7-year-old boy, a 4-year-old boy, a 4-year-old girl and a 15-month-old boy.

Gould said he and his wife, Ditzel-Gould, suffered bruises, while the children's injuries were less severe, and that all of them were treated and released.

Filarski said all of those injured, including Hesler and Larizzio, were treated and released.

Simple assault

SHAMOKIN - A Shamokin man was placed in Northumberland County Prison after being arraigned on charges of assaulting his stepfather.

According to court documents, Shamokin City Police Cpl. Darwin Tobias III reported officers were called to 125 E. Arch St., Shamokin, at 7:54 p.m. June 29 for a domestic argument. When police arrived, Richard Armstrong of 125 E. Arch St., told authorities his stepson, Timothy Smith, 20, of the same address, had been involved in a verbal argument with his mother. When Armstrong confronted the 20-year-old, Smith taunted Armstrong, punched him in the face and left the residence, according to police.

At 9:19 p.m., police were called to the residence a second time because Armstrong called and said Smith had returned and the two men fought over a phone. Armstrong said Smith began to choke him and attempted to wrestle the phone from him, according to court documents. Smith left the residence before police arrived. Police observed scratches and abrasions on Armstrong's right arm, neck and back area. At 9:45 p.m., Smith returned to the residence and threatened to harm Armstrong.

Police arrived and took him into custody.

He was arraigned before Senior Magisterial District Judge Michael Mychak on charges of simple assault and harassment. He was placed in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic, of Shamokin, on July 10.

DUI

UPPER PAXTON TOWNSHIP - A Dalmatia man was injured in a one-car crash at 10:44 p.m. Sunday on Route 147 near Midland Drive.

State police at Lykens report a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage, driven by Matthew T. Croft, 40, of Dalmatia, was traveling south on Route 147 when, for an unknown reason, he lost control of his vehicle. The Mirage left the right side of the road and struck a utility pole, then traveled down an embankment and rolled onto its roof.

Croft was injured in the crash and taken to Harrisburg Hospital for treatment. Police said the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and arrested for DUI.

Disorderly conduct

SHAMOKIN - Ahkil Lee, 18, of 27 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, was cited for disorderly conduct by Shamokin City Police Patrolman William Zalinski after an incident at 8:30 p.m. Monday. Lee was allegedly yelling obscenities in the 400 block of North Shamokin Street, shouting at several people with the intent of causing a physical altercation.

Dog barking

MOUNT CARMEL - Jennifer Dalpiaz, 43, of 230 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, was cited by Mount Carmel Borough Police Cpl. Christopher Buhay with disorderly conduct for allowing her dogs to continuously bark at 9:15 a.m. June 23. Police said Dalpiaz was warned on previous occasions and failed to comply with the warnings.

Disorderly conduct

SHAMOKIN - A 17-year-old Shamokin male was cited by Shamokin City Police Patrolman Scott Weaver for disorderly conduct at 7:20 p.m. Saturday when the male was seen climbing a fence at the Shamokin Street Playground in an attempt to leave the playground.

Disorderly conduct

SHAMOKIN - Harry A. Baughman, 53, of 331 S. Rock St., Shamokin, was cited for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness following an incident in the 300 block of South Rock Street at 5:40 p.m. Saturday.

Van shears pole

UNION TOWNSHIP - Three people were injured Wednesday morning when a 2002 Ford Windstar van exited County Line Road and sheared off a utility pole in this Union County township.

State police at Milton reported Ryan Lee Lewis, 25, of Northumberland, was driving the van west shortly after 5 a.m. when he failed to negotiate a right curve in the road. The van then traveled through a yard before shearing off a utility pole and overturning.

Lewis suffered a minor injury. His two passengers, Shane P. Koon, 24, and Scott W. Keeling, 27, both of Middleburg, suffered moderate injuries and were transported by ambulance to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg.

The van sustained severe damage.

Police said Lewis was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence. Charges are pending in the accident.

Serious injuries

MONROE TOWNSHIP - Three young people were flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after suffering serious injuries Tuesday night in a one-car crash on Fisher Road in this Snyder County township.

State police at Selinsgrove identified the victims as Jeremy K. Kline, 22, of 1798 Sunbury Road, Selinsgrove; Nicholas DiFrancesco, 20, of 3488 Foxfield Circle, Perkiomenville, and Audrey M. Lier, 19, of 123 Park Road, Winfield.

Police said Kline was driving a vehicle south on Fisher Road at 10:10 p.m. when he lost control, causing the vehicle to exit the west berm and crash into a tree.

A hospital spokeswoman said Lier was listed Wednesday in critical condition. DiFrancesco was reported in serious condition. Kline underwent emergency room treatment at the hospital before being released.

SCRANTON - A former employee of Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township, has sued the firm claiming she was forced to resign after taking time to recuperate from a shoulder injury.

Renee McAnnaney, Coal Township, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court, Scranton, Tuesday, alleging Mountain View's corporate owner, Complete Healthcare Resources, Dresher, fired her for taking a leave of absence pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993.

According to her lawsuit, McAnnaney took leave from Nov. 16, 2011, to Feb. 1, 2012, within the 10 to 12 weeks allowed by FMLA, to heal a rotator cuff tear. Within a few days of her return, she says a supervisor made the comment, "We are working to get (McAnnaney) out of here," according to the suit.

Also upon her return, McAnnaney claimed the supervisor "intensely scrutinized her performance."

"This scrutiny was much greater in comparison to (McAnnaney's) coworkers," according to the suit.

McAnnaney claims the supervisor made derogatory comments toward her on Feb. 24 and she was sent home for the day for a dress-code violation.

"(McAnnaney) was never permitted to return to work after Feb. 24, 2012, and was informed that she was going to be terminated for alleged poor performance," the suit alleges.

On March 1, McAnnaney resigned in lieu of termination, following the direction of her union representative.

The suit states McManney has suffered great damage because the company violated the FMLA and her rights; she has not been able to find equivalent employment since, it claims.

McAnnaney is seeking to return to her job and receive all lost pay, bonuses and benefits, as well as attorney's fees and costs and any other relief the court sees fit.

The administrator at Mountain View did not return a call Wednesday seeking comment.

HIGHRIDGE - Two people were injured in a fiery crash in the northbound lanes of I-81 on Wednesday morning.

The crash occurred about 10:35 a.m. at mile marker 116.9 in Butler Township and completely closed the northbound lanes of the road for about 45 minutes.

The driver of the car, a Chrysler Sebring, was identified as Lester Wagner, 75, of Fredericksburg, Va. He was trapped inside his vehicle for a short time and removed by Frackville firefighters.

Wagner was then treated by Minersville EMS and West Schuylkill ALS and flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, in the Life Flight helicopter.

Since both northbound lanes were closed, the medical helicopter landed on the interstate between the car and a tractor-trailer.

The driver of the truck, a 2007 Freightliner, was identified as Anthony Goines, 39, of Max Meadows, Va. He was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street by ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

State police Trooper Joseph Aponick said the crash occurred when Wagner was pulled over onto the east berm of the road.

Goines was driving his rig north and went over the white fog line and struck the car that was stopped.

After hitting the car, Aponick said the tractor-trailer continued north for about two tenths of a mile and came to rest against the guiderails off of the east berm of the road.

The tractor portion of Goines' vehicle caught fire and was completely destroyed. The trailer and its contents, large rolls of paper, escaped the flames but sustained smoke damage.

Firefighters from Altamont, Englewood, Lavelle and Fountain Springs extinguished the truck fire while Yorkville Rescue firefighters from Pottsville managed the landing zone for the helicopter.

State police at Frackville are investigating the crash and were assisted at the scene by troopers from the Schuylkill Haven station.

Aponick said his investigation into the crash is continuing.

ASHLAND - Ashland Police Chief Adam J. Bernodin Jr. is warning the public to be wary of an e-mail scam that purportedly comes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), but is just a ploy by scammers to get money and access to a computer.

Bernodin explained that on July 21, a borough resident, who asked be unidentified, reported to police about the computer scam. After opening an e-mail, the computer froze and a message appeared stating that the FBI has seized the computer and wanted $200 to unlock it.

The resident did not follow the instructions and reported the incident instead to Ashland police. When Bernodin was made aware of the matter, he contacted the FBI.

"I called the FBI and they stated it is not them and they had received a lot of complaints about the same thing," said Bernodin.

Ransomware

The FBI directed Bernodin to its website and the section dealing with e-scams and warnings (www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams) that includes the warning of Citadel malware delivering Reveton ransomware in attempts to extort money. The warning came through Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, funded in part by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

According to the warning, "The ransomware lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user's computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States federal law. The message further declares the user's IP address was identified by the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section as visiting child pornography and other illegal content."

Bernodin said that with the reference to the FBI, it seems like it's an official warning.

The FBI explained, "To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a $100 fine to the U.S. Department of Justice using prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user's IP address determines what payment services are offered.

In addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud."

The FBI website warns computer users, "This is an attempt to extort money with the additional possibility of the victim's computer being used to participate in online bank fraud. If you have received this or something similar, do not follow payment instructions."

The FBI suggests anyone who has encountered such a scam should contact your banking institutions and file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

Found clothes

SELINSGROVE - A tan and maroon cloth bag with the name "Lisa" on it was found at 7 p.m. Wednesday along Route 11/15 in Monroe Township, Snyder County.

The owner of the bag, which is filled with clothing, is encouraged to claim the property at the Selinsgrove state police station.

Sibling spat

TREVORTON - A Ranshaw man is accused of using his sister's car without her permission early Thursday.

Faith Gearhart, 29, of 225 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton, told state police at Stonington that she was engaged in a physical altercation at her home with Patrick Gearhart, 25, of 217 Third St., when he took the vehicle.

The incident occurred at 4:26 a.m., troopers said.

Theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jeffrey Madden, of 414 Main St., Coal Township, reported to police that an unknown person removed a DVD player and a cell phone charger valued at $149 from his 2007 Jeep Compass while it was parked near his home between 5:45 p.m. July 24 and 5:30 p.m. July 26, according to Coal Township Police Department.

DUI

KULPMONT - Andrew H. Reich Jr., 42, of 348 Main St., Ranshaw, is facing two charges of DUI related to an incident at 918 Scott St. at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 29, according to Kulpmont Police Department.

Patrolman Joshua Pastucka reported that Reich was operating a 1995 Saturn Sedan with a blood-alcohol level of .132 percent.

A preliminary hearing will be held on Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Brian M. Moleski, 25, of 228 S. Chestnut St., PO Box 106, Mount Carmel, is facing charges of DUI and related charges in connection to a hit and run in the 00 block of North Chestnut Street at 2:30 a.m. June 2, according to Mount Carmel Police Department.

Patrolman Matthew Dillman reported that Moleski had a blood-alcohol level of .0295 percent, and is charged with two counts of DUI, one count of careless driving and one count of accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

DUI

BEAR GAP - Stephanie L. Huber, 37, of 16 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel, is facing charges of driving under the influence of a drug and related charges in connection to an incident on Route 54 at 11:30 p.m. June 4, according to Mount Carmel Police Department.

Patrolman Matthew Filarski reported that Huber tested positive for caffeine, cotinine, nicotine, Zolpidem and Mirtazepine in her system.

She was charged with DUI, reckless driving, careless driving and driving on roads laned for traffic, police said.

A preliminary hearing will be held on Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Barry A. Strike, 61, of 517 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, is facing one charge of DUI relating to an incident at 8:02 p.m. July 2 in the parking lot of the Turkey Hill on Fifth Street, according to Mount Carmel Borough Police.

Patrolman William Adamski said Strike had a blood-alcohol level of .22 percent.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Timothy M. Leso, 37, of 136 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel is facing charges of DUI relating to an incident at 12:39 a.m. July 20 in the area of Third and Market streets, according to Mount Carmel Borough Police.

Patrolman Matthew Dillman reported that Leso is also facing charges of operating a vehicle without proper lighting.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

Drug charges

NATALIE - Amber Kay Brightbill, 25, of 355 Snow Drive, Apartment 2, Lebanon, is facing charges of drug possession and other related charges in connection to an incident on Route 54 at 8:29 a.m. June 16, according to Mount Carmel Township Police Department.

Patrolman Kelly Campbell reported that Brightbill was originally pulled over for speeding, but Campbell detected the odor of marijuana and searched her vehicle and found marijuana and paraphernalia.

She was also charged with possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and speeding, police said.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

DUI

KULPMONT - Ryan Thomas Zamboni, 35, of 20 W. Spring Ave., Ardmore, is facing charges of DUI and turning without signaling in relation to an incident at 2:14 a.m. April 23, according to Kulpmont Patrolman Cade Holden.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

Bad checks

ELYSBURG - John Anthony Gallagher, 40, of 117 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, is facing charges of writing bad checks relating to payment made to Bebenek Lumber Company, 377 W. Valley Ave., on June 7, according to Ralpho Township Police Department.

Patrolman Bryon Chowka reported that Gallagher wrote a check to the business in the amount of $413.47, but it was returned and stamped with "not sufficient funds."

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

Simple assault

MOUNT CARMEL - Curtis Eugene Setcavage, 48, of 202 W. Spruce St., Mahanoy City, is facing charges of simple assault and harrassment relating to an incident at 1:57 a.m. July 13, according to Mount Carmel Borough Police.

Patrolman David Donkochik reported that Setcavage allegedly threw his girlfriend, Regina Merritt, down a flight of steps at 206 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, and pinched her in the face several times.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

Drug charges

MOUNT CARMEL - Robert Jude Kaminski, 20, of 349 W. Second St., Mount Carmel, is facing charges of drug possession and other related charges in connection with an incident on July 13 in the 1300 block of Wood Street, according to Mount Carmel Township Police.

Patrolman Keith Tamborelli reported that Kaminski ran from police and had a hypodermic needle in his pants pocket when he was apprehended.

Kaminiski is also facing charges of possession with intent to use and underage drinking.

A preliminary hearing will be held Aug. 29 in the office of District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel.

Vehicles, gun stolen

ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington continue to investigate a rash of vehicle thefts Friday and Saturday in the area of Route 890 in Rockefeller Township.

Police say that between 7 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, unknown persons entered three unlocked vehicles, owned by David J. Leib, of 1208 W. Mountain Road, Paxinos; Michael J. Stahl, 37, of 392 Trout Pond Road, Paxinos, and David W. Mertz, of 120 Cherry St., Paxinos, and drove them for short distances. The thieves then intentionally crashed two of the three stolen vehicles.

A Winchester West Point Model 435 .22 Caliber Long Rifle with a painted walnut stock and approximately 50 rounds of ammunition were stolen from one of the vehicles. Police say four other vehicles were rummaged through, but nothing was found to be taken.

Anyone with information on the thefts are asked to contact police at 286-5601.

Two-vehicle crash

NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP - An Ashland teen and his passenger were flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following a two-vehicle crash at 2:51 p.m. Saturday on Route 443 at the intersection with North Greenview Road in North Manheim Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven say a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, driven by Mason White, 16, of Ashland, was traveling south on Greenview Road and approaching the intersection with Route 443. Police say the Lancer failed to follow the stop sign and entered the intersection, and was struck broadside on the passenger side by a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Derek Hartranft, 24, of New Ringgold.

After the impact, the Lancer traveled down an embankment on the south berm of the road. White and his passenger, Monty L. Maser, 33, of Alburtis, were flown from the scene to Geisinger Medical Center, where  White is listed in fair condition and Maser is in serious condition. Both Hartranft and his passenger, Megan E. Dove, 22, of New Ringgold were also injured in the crash.

Assisting police at the scene were members of the Orwigsburg Fire and Rescue units and local fire police, Life Flight and MediVac helicopters.

One injured

BUTLER TOWNSHIP - An Ashland motorcycle rider is listed in serious condition at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following a crash at 7:16 p.m. Sunday along I-81 in Butler Township.

State police at Frackville say a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by David D. Kulp, 47, of Ashland, was traveling north on the interstate in the left lane, when the bike traveled into the median. The motorcycle rolled several times and came to rest near the turn around at mile marker 119.7.

Police say Kulp will be cited under the vehicle code for driving on roadways laned for traffic. Assisting police at the scene were members of the Goodwill and Altamont fire companies and West Schuylkill ALS.

Plows stolen

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - Fred Herrold, of Northumberland, reported to state police at Stonington that sometime between July 14 and July 27, someone removed two snow plows and a tractor from his property on Mile Post Road. The items stolen included a yellow Meyer snowplow, a red Western snowplow and a 1953 Ford Redbelly tractor.

ATV crash

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - An ATV rider from Peach Bottom was injured in a crash at 3:27 p.m. on State Route 2044 two miles west of Trevorton.

State police at Stonington say a 2005 Yamaha ATV, driven by Willis H. Trimble Jr., 31, of Peach Bottom, was traveling east along the north shoulder of State Route 2044 when he lost control of the ATV. The vehicle traveled off the north edge of the road and struck a road sign with its front end.

The ATV spun counterclockwise, rolled over and then came to rest in the grass along the north side of the road. Police said Trimble's head also struck the road sign.

Police said Trimble suffered a moderate injury and was taken to Geisinger Medical Center. A nursing supervisor said Monday morning he was not listed as a patient there.

Checkpoints

The North Central Highway Safety Network's Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Coal Township Police Department have announced roving patrols or sobriety checkpoints will be conducted from Aug. 3 to Aug. 12 on Routes 61, 225, 125, 54, 487, 901, 147 and connecting roadways to municipalities. Travelers are reminded to report drunk drivers by dialing 911. To report underage drinking, call (888)UNDER21.

The roving patrols and checkpoints are funded through PennDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Scattering rubbish

COAL TOWNSHIP - Mark Hughes, 23, of 7619 Columbia Blvd., Apt. A, Berwick, was cited by Patrolman Chris Lapotsky with scattering rubbish for allegedly depositing household trash in the Big Mountain area between Jan. 1 and June 7.

Harassment

SHAMOKIN - Sylvia Tinley, 21, of 224 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 2, Shamokin, was cited by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III for harassment for allegedly repeatedly striking Olson Walker, 36, of the same address, on the back with a curtain rod at 12:13 a.m. Monday at their apartment. Walker suffered minor injuries, police said.

Yells slurs

SHAMOKIN - Rebecca Hancock, 19, of 146 S. Pearl St., Shamokin, was cited by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III for yelling slurs and derogatory names at a young child at 4:45 p.m. July 24 in the 100 block of South Pearl Street.

Threat made

SHAMOKIN - Ahkil Lee, 18, of 27 N. Seventh St., Shamokin, was cited by Cpl. Darwin Tobias III for allegedly threatening to assault Keith Martin, 18, of Milton RR 5, at 7:41 p.m. July 25 outside Lee's home.

Underage drinking

SHAMOKIN - Charles Troup III, 18, of 439 W. Gowen St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes for underage drinking and disorderly conduct relating to a midnight disturbance Monday at 401 N. Rock St.

Police reported Troup is accused of being intoxicated while yelling and kicking a wall in an attempt to start a fight.

Simple assault

SHAMOKIN - Patrolman William Zalinski has charged Jessica Hoover, 31, of 144 W. Willow St., Shamokin, with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment involving a July 3 disturbance in the first block of South Market Street.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Hoover is accused of repeatedly punching Sharon Scarlett in the face and head, causing bruises and abrasions. Police said the assault occurred at approximately 10 p.m.

Possession

COAL TOWNSHIP - Wendy Melissa Thomas, of Plains, was charged by Trooper Brian Ronk of state police at Stonington with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a July 8 incident in the parking lot at SCI-Coal Township.

Police reported a green fabric pouch containing a resin pipe and 2.8 grams of marijuana were found in the spare tire compartment in the trunk of Thomas' car at 9:30 a.m.

Drug charges

COAL TOWNSHIP - Troy Grinaway, 18, of 413 E. Spurzheim St., Shamokin, was charged by Patrolman Terry Ketchem with delivery of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a June 18 incident in the parking lot of Punk's Gym on West Arch Street.

Police reported Grinaway sold marijuana to an individual and was found in possession of a glass pipe used for smoking marijuana, plastic zip lock baggies for packaging marijuana and a digital scale for weighing marijuana.

Police said the incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m.

Grinaway was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III at 3 p.m. Thursday and released on $10,000 bail that contains supervision conditions.

Drug offenses

SHAMOKIN - Cpl. Bryan Primerano has charged Ned A. Marcinick Jr., 19, of 105 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, with possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, escape, loitering and prowling at night and underage drinking relating to incidents that began at 9:30 p.m. in the first block of East Independence Street.

Police reported Marcinick possessed three ounces of marijuana in four separate packages for resale and a digital scale containing marijuana residue.

Police, who detected an odor of alcohol on Marcinick's breath upon speaking with him at Shamokin and Commerce streets, said Marcinick fled on foot when they requested permission to search his black gym bag. Police said Marcinick ran east on Commerce Street, south on Washington Street, east on Spurzheim Street and south on Rock Street into residential yards. Officers located Marcinick on a residential porch in yards between the 300 blocks of North Shamokin and North Rock streets and took him into custody.

Police reported Marcinick had $387.50 on his possession when apprehended. Police also located his black gym bag in a creek bed just north of the intersection of Washington and Spurzheim streets. Police said marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the bag.

Marcinick was arraigned early Saturday morning by Senior Magisterial District Judge Michael Mychak and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $25,000 cash bail.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 19-year-old Shamokin man, who allegedly ran through 11 stop signs and one red light, swerved his vehicle at a state police cruiser and slammed on his brakes to cause an accident near Fairview Gun Club earlier this month, has been charged with numerous offenses including a felony of aggravated assault.

Brandon Lee Thew, of 612 Bear Valley Ave., is charged by Trooper Nicholas Berger of state police at Stonington with aggravated assault, accidents involving death or personal injury, recklessly endangering another person, fleeing or attempting to elude police, underage drinking, a red light violation, driving on the wrong side of the road, failure to drive in a single lane, a stop sign violation, failure to activate his turn signal, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving, reckless driving and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

The charges relate to an early-morning July 7 police pursuit that began on Route 225 between Trevorton and Shamokin and ended when Thew crashed a white 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee into a tree near Fairview Gun Club in Coal Township. A state police car operated by Berger and occupied by Trooper Barry Wooten, who were pursuing Thew, crashed into the rear of the Jeep Cherokee moments after it struck the tree.

Julisa Marie Forney, Chelsea Marie Thew and Jesse Dale Swank were passengers in the Jeep Cherokee. Forney, a back-seat passenger, suffered mild injuries. She was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and released. Brandon Thew and his two other passengers escaped injury, as did Berger and Wooten.

According to a police affidavit, Berger and Wooten were traveling north on Route 225 at 3:15 a.m. when they observed a white sport utility vehicle in front of them travel outside its lane three times within a mile, once with a car coming in the opposite direction. Berger said the troopers attempted to stop the vehicle in the area of Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Berger said the driver of the SUV, later identified as Brandon Thew, pulled to the side of the road and appeared to be stopping, before continuing north on Route 225. As Berger pulled the police car beside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in an attempt to halt the pursuit. Thew swerved his vehicle toward the police cruiser before traveling completely into the oncoming lane.

Police said Thew's vehicle remained in the oncoming lane while rounding a right curve in the road and speeding toward the intersection with Route 61. Berger said the Jeep Cherokee re-entered its lane of travel before traveling through a red light at West Walnut and Second streets in Shamokin and running various stop signs on Second Street. Berger said the SUV then turned onto State Street, where it ran several more stop signs before crashing into a tree on a dirt road off the Venn Access Road near the gun club when it failed to negotiate a 90-degree left turn. Police said Thew, who traveled at high rates of speed throughout the chase, slammed on his brakes before crashing into the tree.

Upon being interviewed about the accident, Brandon Thew told police he couldn't provide a reason why he fled. Thew told police he tried to hit the police car because he didn't want the troopers to chase him anymore.

Thew was arraigned on the charges at 11:30 a.m. Thursday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III and released in lieu of $5,000 bail.

SHAMOKIN - Police are investigating an alleged altercation Sunday afternoon involving a 13-year-old girl and an adult male during a community service cleanup detail downtown.

Patrolman Mark Costa said the incident, which reportedly occurred in the area of Wendy's parking lot on East Independence Street, remains under investigation.

"I'm waiting for several more statements from witnesses," Costa said Monday. "No injuries were reported to police and no charges have been filed at this point."

Costa said he couldn't release any other details because of the ongoing investigation.

SHAMOKIN - A preliminary hearing for a local doctor and member of Mount Carmel Area School Board charged with driving under the influence of alcohol has been continued until next month.

Dr. Raymond J. Kraynak, 55, of Kulpmont, whose family practice is based in Mount Carmel, was initially scheduled for a preliminary hearing this morning, but it has been continued until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. The continuance was granted by Gembic earlier this month at the request of Kraynak's attorney, James Zurick, Shamokin.

Kraynak is charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a May 26 DUI checkpoint on Route 61 near Sam Bressi Motors just east of Shamokin.

Kraynak claimed he stopped at the checkpoint around 11 p.m. to offer medical assistance because he thought there was an accident at the site.

COAL TOWNSHIP - An inmate at SCI-Coal Township has been charged by state police with attempted homicide for allegedly stabbing another inmate in the neck with a six-inch metal shank in December in what may have been a gang-related incident.

The victim was attacked from behind on a basketball court and removal of the shank required an emergency operation at Geisinger Medical Center, authorities said.

Ramon Aikeen Frazier, 22, was arraigned via video at 1:30 p.m. Thursday by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III on felonies of criminal attempt to commit homicide, aggravated assault (two counts) and assault by a prisoner, and misdemeanors of possessing instruments of crime and possessing a prohibited offensive weapon.

The charges were filed by Troopers Ronald Zanella and Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington.

Frazier, who is a native of Delaware and resided in the Pittsburgh area at one time, is accused of stabbing 23-year-old Dashawn Anthony Harris, of the Pittsburgh area, at 2:20 p.m. Dec. 1 while the victim was playing basketball in the west yard.

No feeling in limbs

Police said Harris, who had the metal shank stuck in the right side of his neck, was conscious but complained of having no feeling in his limbs upon being treated at the scene and transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

The shank was made from a piece of heavy-gauge fencing, police said.

Harris, who was admitted to Geisinger with what police described as a potentially life-threatening injury, required "emergency operative intervention" by a neurosurgeon. He has been returned to SCI-Coal Township, but is still undergoing physical therapy for his injury, according to police.

Gembic set cash bail at $25,000 and ordered the defendant to appear for a video preliminary hearing that is scheduled to be conducted this morning between his office and SCI-Coal Township, where Frazier also remains incarcerated.

Gang related?

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Harris told Kearney at Geisinger on Dec. 1 that he couldn't identify who stabbed him because he was attacked from behind.

Harris said he didn't know why he was attacked, but said the assault may have been gang-related because he is a member of the Bloods.

State police said Frazier admitted to two lieutenants at the prison during a Dec. 8 interview that he stabbed Harris.

During a Jan. 12 recorded interview with state police Cpl. Richard Bramhall Jr., Frazier initially denied stabbing the victim and claimed what he wrote in his statement to the lieutenants was a lie. Frazier told Bramhall he was a member of the Crips and had prior conflict with Harris while both men were inmates at SCI-Pine Grove, including an incident in which Harris "beat him badly."

'Pretty good reason'

Later in the interview with Bramhall, Frazier stated, "I stabbed Dashawn Harris and it's for a pretty good reason though because ... if I didn't get him, he was gonna get me."

Bramhall said a few minutes later, Frazier admitted what he wrote in his statement during his Dec. 8 interview was true.

Asked by Bramhall if he wanted to kill Harris, Frazier replied, "No, I didn't want to kill him." Frazier said he understood that stabbing someone in the neck could kill a person, but replied, "I had to do what I had to do."