Monroe man admits to ethnic intimidation charge

A Monroe County man pleaded guilty in Carbon County court on Monday morning to a charge of ethnic intimidation stemming from an incident in Lansford, where he formerly resided.

James Arthur Bock, 48, of Canadensis, entered the plea before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II for an incident on July 30, 2019, along South Walnut Street. Borough police were called to the area for a report of a man making threats.

On scene, officers found Bock and the victim. She told officers that Bock said to her, “I’m going to slit their throats.” He also called her a racial slur. The victim is black.

In a plea bargain with the district attorney’s office, a charge of terroristic threats was dropped. Nanovic noted, however, that the threats charge was a component of the intimidation count, which is a felony 3.

Defense attorney Paul J. Levy, of the public defender’s office, noted that Bock has a history of mental health issues.

He said currently mental health officials are seeking to find a proper place for Bock to live after he is sentenced. Bock has been an inmate in the county prison since his arrest.

Levy asked that sentencing be deferred so that the adult probation office can determine the proper amount of credit Bock is entitled and also so officials can continue to search for proper housing for him.

Nanovic deferred sentencing and ordered the probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report which will include a mental health evaluation.