Weatherly officer waives criminal charges to court

A Weatherly police officer, charged with unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of a minor, waived the charges to the Carbon County court.

Anthony James McFadden, 49, of 21 E. Main St., Weatherly, was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on the charges today before District Judge Joseph Homanko, of Weatherly. But McFadden waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will next appear in the county court at the office of the district attorney. That date is tentatively set for Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.

McFadden was charged by state police at Hazleton with having phone conversations with a 15-year-old girl. Troopers received a complaint on Oct. 30 that McFadden made calls to the girl. Troopers described the calls as "phone sex" with the girl.

Phone records indicate more than 170 calls between McFadden's cell phone and the girl's home, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed by troopers. The calls took place between Sept. 24 and Nov. 2, 2009, troopers allege.

McFadden was charged on Jan. 8 and arraigned before duty District Judge Bruce Appleton, of Palmerton. He was released on $20,000 unsecured bail. He is currently on suspension with pay.