Berks man guilty

Sentenced to state prison for terrorizing his mother with gun

A Berks County man potentially faces state prison time now that he’s been convicted of charges he terrorized his mother with a gun during a domestic-related incident in Pottstown.

Chad Carter, 30, of the first block of Carriage Circle, Oley Township, was convicted in Montgomery County Court on Monday of charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering other per-

sons, person not to possess a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats and possession with intent to deliver cocaine and heroin in connection with the November 2015 incident at a Pottstown residence.

Judge Joseph P. Walsh convicted Carter of the charges during a nonjury trial at which Carter stipulated to the facts contained in an affidavit of probable cause filed by Pottstown police. Shortly after potential jurors were summoned to the courtroom for his trial, Carter opted for the nonjury trial, leaving his fate up to the judge.

Carter faces a possible maximum sentence of seven to 14 years in prison on the charges when he’s sentenced later this year. He remains in the county jail without bail pending that sentencing hearing.

“It is the commonwealth’s intention to seek a lengthy state sentence. He needs to be held accountable for what went on,” said county Assistant District Attorney Kelli McGinnis.

Defense lawyer George Griffith Jr. said Carter, after careful consideration, decided to take responsibility for his actions and avoid a jury trial that would have forced his mother to testify against him. At sentencing time, Griffith said he will argue for a sentence that is less than the maximum possible punishment.

Earlier in the day, Carter defiantly told the judge that he wanted a jury trial.

“I think when he actually saw his mom in living color in the courtroom that actually made him reconsider his prior position,” Griffith said.

An investigation began about 2:30 a.m. Nov. 14, 2015, when Pottstown police responded to a home in the 400 block of West Buttonwood Street for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival police were met by Carter’s mother, who reported Carter had threatened her with a gun during the disturbance, according to the criminal complaint filed by Pottstown Police Corporal Mark Boyce.

The investigation determined the disturbance began when Carter got involved in an argument with his girlfriend and pushed her, according to court papers. Carter’s mother tried to intervene in the altercation and Carter “began throwing items around the residence,” Boyce alleged.

When Carter stepped out of the residence, his mother locked the doors to prevent him from getting back inside, according to the arrest affidavit.

“The defendant then tried to get into the residence however, he could not get in through the door. The defendant was able to gain entry to the residence through a bedroom window,” Boyce alleged, adding Carter’s mother then called 911.

Carter allegedly stated to his mother, “You want to call 911” and then brandished a handgun and pointed it at her, according to the arrest affidavit. While pointing the gun at the victim’s face, Carter allegedly stated, “I’ll (expletive) you up right now,” Boyce alleged.

“She was obviously very fearful for her life at that time,” McGinnis alleged. “She was terrified.”

Carter then lowered the gun, grabbed the woman’s phone and threw it to the ground, causing it to break, police alleged. Carter continued to yell at his mother and again pointed the gun at her while stating, “You’re not calling anyone,” according to the arrest affidavit. A child was also in the residence and witnessed the altercation before Carter left the residence.

Police eventually caught up with Carter, who was driving a black Lexus, on Ryan Street. Carter allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. A short time later police were able to take Carter into custody without further incident, court papers indicate.

Police found a handgun, a KelTec P-11 9 mm Luger, in plain view on the front passenger seat of the vehicle Carter had been driving according to the criminal complaint. A check by police determined that the weapon had been reported stolen in Pottstown on June 7, 2014.

With the charges, authorities alleged Carter had a prior felony robbery conviction that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

When police searched the vehicle that Carter had been driving they found more than 40 small, clear bags that contained an off-white, rock-like substance consistent with crack cocaine as well as some heroin, according to the criminal com-