Man found walking around naked given jail term

A Carbon County man found walking around his neighborhood naked was sentenced to a county jail term on Thursday after pleading guilty to one count each of criminal trespass and indecent exposure.

President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II sentenced Stephen Susel, 50, of Mauch Chunk Road, Palmerton, to serve one to 12 months in prison on the two counts.

On March 24 borough police were dispatched to the 800 block of Mauch Chunk Road for a report of a naked man walking around the area and then entering a home. On scene police found Susel in a nearby home naked and that he had caused damages inside the home and put the female homeowner in fear.

Susel, when asked by Nanovic why he was walking around naked, could not give a clear explanation to satisfy the jurist.

He did say, “I’m sorry for what happened. I want to go in the right direction.”

Susel admitted to an alcohol and drug problem. He said he had used methamphetamine earlier the day of the incident and did have a problem with alcohol, which he claimed is now under control.

The female victim told the court that Susel broke open a locked door to gain entry to her home and once inside went from room to room knocking things over and causing damages. She said he appeared to be “high on drugs or something” and added she knew Susel had an alcohol problem.

The jail term will be followed by 18 months of probation. Susel was also ordered to get both a drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations and follow any recommendations for treatment, make restitution for damages of $970, zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use, pay court costs of about $1,000, pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on parole and probation and have no contact with the victim.

He was given credit for 13 days spent in prison on the charges and began the jail term immediately.