Seven waive hearings before Tamaqua DJ

A Hazleton man waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua, last week and was returned to the Schuylkill County prison, Pottsville, to await trial.

Brian K. Gettig, 50, of 408 S. Poplar St., appeared before Bayer charged with multiple counts of harassment by communication stemming from an Aug. 16 incident involving an ex-girlfriend. Gettig allegedly left threatening messages on the victim's cell phone calling back when police officers were able to hear the threats first hand.

Despite repeated warnings from officers, Gettig allegedly continued such threats until a warrant was issued for his arrest for violating a protection from abuse order. The charges were filed by Tamaqua Patrolman Peter Sandor.

Bail remained at $50,000 straight cash, which Gettig was unable to post.

Other cases heard before Bayer included:

Anthony J. Stalgaitis, 27, of 316 N. Elizabeth St., Tamaqua, waived his preliminary hearing on charges of aggravated and simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. The charges were filed by Tamaqua Patrolman Thomas Rodgers and stem from a July 19 incident in which Stalgaitis allegedly attacked another man. The victim was reportedly airlifted to an Allentown trauma center.

Stalgaitis was released on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Jesse Lee Ansbach, 38, also waived his right to a hearing. Ansbach was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol by Tamaqua Patrolman Peter Sandor following an Aug. 2 incident.

He was released on his own recognizance.

Brandon Leslie, 21, of 167 W. Moser Ave., Coaldale, waived a hearing on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was charged by Patrolman Rodgers following a June 25 incident. A charge of driving with a suspended license was withdrawn.

Leslie was returned to the county prison in lieu of $5,000 percentage bail.

Patrick McAndrew, 57, of 133 Skyline Drive, Tamaqua, also waived his right to a preliminary hearing. McAndrew was charged with DUI following an Aug. 4 incident. The charges were filed by Tamaqua Patrolman Richard Bekesy. Two traffic violations were withdrawn.

McAndrew was released on his own recognizance.

Kelly E. Dougherty, 31, of 922 Clamtown Rd., Tamaqua, waived a hearing on charges of defiant trespass, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from an Aug. 11 incident and were filed by Tamaqua Patrolman Karl Harig.

Dougherty was released after posting ten percent of the imposed $15,000 bail.

Daniel L. Schwertfeger, 40, of Annadale, N.J., also elected to waive his preliminary hearing right. He was charged with simple assault and harassment following a May 23 incident. The charges were filed by Coaldale Patrolman Charles Blesse.

Schwertfeger was released on his own recognizance.