Carbon man given state prison term in voucher scam

A Carbon County man was sentenced to a state prison term on Thursday after admitting his part in a voucher scam involving a state skill machine game.

Tyle James Easterly, 26, of Palmerton, pleaded guilty before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II to one count each of forgery, criminal conspiracy — forgery, access device fraud and theft.

Easterly and three others were involved in a scam at three Palmerton businesses in which they forged voucher slips for a state skills game that paid off winnings in cash.

Palmerton police said Easterly and the others forged the voucher slips to cash them in for the money. Police said the group illegally obtained more than $2,000. The charges against the others, including a juvenile, are pending.

Nanovic sentenced him to serve six to 24 months in a state correctional institution followed by two years of probation on the charges. He was also ordered to make his prorated share of restitution of $465.15, get a drug and alcohol evaluation and pay court costs of about $1,000.

The term runs concurrent with a six- to 24-month state probation violation Easterly is serving, that was imposed on Feb. 22.