Carbon man sent to state prison on trespass charge

A Carbon County man who previously pleaded guilty to a count of criminal trespass, a felony, was sentenced to a state prison term on Tuesday afternoon in the county court.

Chad Harrison Hartsell, 37, of Weissport, was sentenced by President Judge Roger N. Nanovic to serve 12 to 30 months in a state correctional institution.

Hartsell was arrested on April 25 when Lehighton police responded to a report of unwanted people at a residence along Center Road. Hartsell was identified as one of two trying to enter the home.

Hartsell told Nanovic he tried to enter the residence because he thought it was the home of a friend. He added that he was a heroin/methamphetamine addict.

It was also noted he has an escape charge pending. He has been in the county prison on that charge.

In addition to the prison term, Nanovic ordered Hartsell to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, pay court costs of about $1,000 and supply a DNA sample.

He was given credit for 33 days already served.