Tamaqua man pleads to DUI, placed on probation

A Tamaqua man was among four people who recently entered guilty pleas to criminal charges and were sentenced by Schuylkill County judges.

Gregory Yurchak, 45, of 250 Mahanoy St., entered a guilty plea to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and was placed on probation for six months by Judge Jacqueline Russell and ordered to comply with all directives of the adult probation office, shall consume no alcohol beverages and complete an alcohol safe driving school and outpatient counseling. He also must pay $500 to Criminal Justice Enhancement Account (CJEA), $100 to Substance Abuse Education (SAE) fund, and perform 20 hours of community service. Yurchak was cited by Patrolman Robert Minnick, Coaldale police, last Jan. 24.

Eddie Marion Adams, 30, Shenandoah, pleaded guilty to several drug related charges and was sentenced by Russell. On the charge of delivery of a controlled substance was ordered to serve eight to 23 months in the county prison and ordered to pay $50 to CJEA, $52 in restitution to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, $113 restitution to Bethlehem Regional Lab, $100 to SAE fund and perform 20 hours of community service.

On a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia received a concurrent 12 months sentence and must perform an additional 20 hours of community servcie. The sentence is effective Friday, March 19, at 10 a.m. Adams was cited by the county's drug task force.

Clinton Allen Geist, 27, Selingsgrove, pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking personal property from the Hermatage Retreat in Pitman, Eldred Township, and was sentenced by Judge Charles M. Miller to serve five to 30 months in a state correctional facility with credit for serving 19 days in the county prison. Geist also was ordered to pay $50 to the CJEA and make restitution of $2,020 to Johannes Zinzendorf, who operates the retreat. Geist was cited by Trooper Bernard Spece.

Timothy Joseph Wertman, 20, Port Carbon, pleaded guilty to eight motor code violation charges and was sentenced by Miller. On the charge of being involved in an accident on SR183 in Wayne Township last May 24 was sentenced to serve three to 23 months in the county prison and is eligible for work release. He also must pay a fine of $100, and pay costs of prosecution, pay $50 to CJEA. On three other similar charges because four people were in the other vehicle, Michael Sinko, of New Philadelphia; Samantha Thompson, Summit Station; and James T. Evans and Robert D. Thompson, Pottsville, received concurring sentences of three to 23 months.

On charges of failing to yield the roadway, careless driving, failing to stop and render aid and failing to notify police of accident was fined $25 each plus $200 costs. He began serving his sentence Tuesday, March 9, at 9:30 a.m. He also must pay a fine of $100 and make restitution of $608.55 to Department of Public Welfare. Wertman was cited by Trooper Robert Oakley last May 24.

Each defendant must also pay court costs and a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation or parole.

Jury yerdicts

Christopher M. Romberger, 21, Tower City, was found guilty by a jury of a charge of unalwful contact with a minor.

President William D. Baldwin deferred sentence to a later date and ordered a pre-sentence investigation by the adult probation department and ordered Romberger to undergo an evaluation with the state's sexual offendes assessment board. Romberger remains free on bail until the reports are finalized and the court fixes a date for sentencing. He was cited by Patrolman John Boyer, Tower City police.

Rodolfo Valdez, 28, of Pottsville, was found guilty by a jury of possession and delivery of drugs in Pottsville last August and sentence was set for Monday, May 24, by Judge D. Michael Stine, who also ordered a pre-sentence investigative report prepared by the adult probation department. Valdez was released on the same bail but Stine set exception rules including that Valdez must not leave the county and may not use or possess or transport alcohol or drugs. Valdez was cited by Capt. Richard Wojciechowsky, Pottsville police.

Bail hearings

Judge John E. Domalakes held bail hearings for two defendants who were brought into court on bench warrants.

Rashan Hunt, 21, had the bench warrant dissolved and bail was set at $1,000 unsecured and he must reside at 85 Haddock St., McAdoo, must notify the district attorney and adult probation office if a change of residence occurs and must not move without court approval, must refrain from using alcohol and illegal drugs and had to be fingerprinted before leaving the courthouse. Hunt was charged with possession of drugs.

Eric R. Shappell, 24. Seltzer, Norwegian Township, had his bench warrant dissolved and bail set at $5,000 unsecured and he must reside at 219 Main St., Seltzer, notify authorities of change of address and cannot move without court permisison, must maintain his employment and must refrain from using alcohol or illegal drugs.