Drug offenses and DUI cases dominated Return Day at Elk County Courthouse
RIDGWAY-- The first Return Day of the 59th Judicial District began at 8:30 a.m. on Monday with drug offenses and DUI cases dominating a majority of the day.
For all sentences handed out on Monday at the Elk County Courthouse, except where indicated, all defendants are charged the cost of prosecution, fines, fees, and other costs as well as a $45 a month charge for probation sentences.
Troy Alan Cool, 53, of St. Marys, rejected all plea deals and will go up for jury selection next Monday on charges of trafficking in individuals, criminal conspiracy, patronizing the victim of sexual servitude, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, prostitution, sexual abuse of children, criminal use of a communication facility, corruption of minors and indecent assault.
A bench warrant was issued for Jessica L. Mead, 28, of Hornell, N.Y. when she once again failed to appear for her scheduled court hearing. Mead is facing felony aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and felony accidents involving death or injury while not licensed, along with misdemeanor DUI, plus numerous traffic citations.
Jocelyn Jordan Clinger, 29, of Emporium, pled guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine resulting in 24 months on probation, as well as a comprehensive drug and alcohol evaluation and a forensic mental health interview, and must abide by all conclusions from the evaluations.
Leane L. Britton, 51, of Clarion, pled guilty to terroristic threats and disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 10 days to 24 months with time credit for her sentence. She must also engage in ongoing mental health treatment with her provider and have no contact with her victim.
Megan Charlene Hannold, 38, of Brockport will be on probation for 6 months and must complete Phase I and II classes for her DAI (Driving After Imbibing, PA's term for the more common DUI) guilty plea.
Rachelle Lee Vasbinder, 27, of Ridgway, pled guilty to possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia and was sentenced to 55 days to 24 months incarceration, with credit for time served in an in-patient treatment facility, and be on probation for the next 2 years.
Jacob Eric Carlson, 41, of Falls Creek, must continue treatment in anger management after pleading guilty to harassment and paying a fine of $300.
Joshua Paul Oliver, 28, of Ridgway, was found passed out in his vehicle on Church Street in Johnsonburg with his foot on the brake and a child in the back car seat in his DAI case. He was ordered into incarceration for 11 to 24 months, must pay a $1,000 fine, perform 100 hours of community service and pay $255 in lab costs. He will also spend an additional 6 months on probation for recklessly endangering another charge.
Michele L. Osti, 35, of Emporium, will spend the next 6 months on probation following her guilty plea on retail theft charges. In addition, she must pay Walmart restitution of $846.58 and is barred from entering the Fox Township Walmart location.
Kelsey Rena Cavalline, 28, of Ridgway, will spend 5 days to 6 months incarcerated in the Elk County Prison following a guilty plea to their second DAI case in ten years, complete Phase I and II of Alcohol Treatment a $300 fine, and $242 in lab fees.
Kyle James Meyer, 24, of St Marys, but currently incarcerated in state prison, pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance and will be on probation for 6 months following his state prison sentence.
Bobbi-Jo C. Obrien, 54, of Emporium decided to proceed to jury selection in the October term on his theft and criminal mischief charges.
Bobbijo Parente, 36, of Cairo NY, pled guilty to her third DAI in ten years and will spend the next 10 days in Elk County Prison. She has already completed some in-patient treatment for her substance use disorder and must complete Phase I and II alcohol treatment following her incarceration.
David Lee Curley, 60, currently homeless, was sent to state prison for 24 to 60 months following his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. His lengthy state prison sentence was due to his extensive criminal history.
Josie Marie Griffith, 23, of Ridgway was sentenced to 2 years on probation following her guilty pleas to possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Amber May Osgood, 35, of St. Marys, pled guilty to separate counts of possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine and will be on probation for the next 2 years.
Alexander Ruiz Reyes, 21 of Reading PA, was sentenced to 6 months on probation following his guilty plea to possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tyler Andrew Santaniello, 30, of Ridgway, will proceed to a jury trial on his 13-count inditement on drug charges and related offenses.
Katie Nicole Simbeck, 40, of St. Marys, must pay Walmart $397.75 in restitution and will spend the next year on probation following her guilty plea on retail theft charges.
ARD stands for “Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.” It is a program that all Pennsylvania counties are required to have in place for individuals with no criminal record, or a very limited criminal record, who have been charged with a relatively minor, non-violent offense(s). According to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, “the program is intended to encourage offenders to make a fresh start after participation in a rehabilitative program and offers them the possibility of a clean record if they complete the program." Essentially, if a defendant has been charged with a relatively minor offense, typically DUI, possession of a controlled substance for personal use, or possession of drug paraphernalia, when they are accepted into the ARD program their case is placed on “hold” for a period of time.
During the time the case is on hold, typically, one year, the court will impose certain requirements that program participants must complete within that time. If the requirements are completed by the end of the ARD period, the court will then notify defendants that their case is eligible to be dismissed completely and erased from their criminal record.
Entering the ARD program on Monday were Shawn Myslinski, Joseph Walker, Todd Weisner, Amy Benson, Tracy Dickant, Christopher Graham, Richard Griffith, Paul Holtzhauser, Derek Konen, Shandra Packard, Nicholas Young, and Walker Meyer. served as a Call-of-theList day before jury selection next week.