Brooklyn, N.Y. man who had resided in Lansford, sentenced for 2008 crime

Orlando Alexander Guichard, 31, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who resided at 173 W. Ridge St., Apt. 7, Lansford, when he committed a crime in Pottsville in 2008, was sentenced Friday, Jan. 29, by Judge Charles M. Miller in Schuylkill County court to serve 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution, with credit for serving 392 days in the county prison.

"Oh no," was the reaction from the defendant who had hoped to be released on probation because of the time he spent in the county jail.

The judge delayed the start of the sentence so Guichard could notify his employer in Brooklyn. He was ordered to report at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 8, to the county prison where he will be lodged until Sheriff Joseph Groody can make arrangements to transport him to a state prison.

Guichard was found guilty by a jury last Dec. 11 of charges of intimidating a witness (the victim), criminal conspiracy, simple assault, terroristic threats and possession of a concealed weapon (handgun). He was arrested by Cpl. Dennis Weiderhold, Pottsville police, on July 11, 2008, after he and two accomplices entered an apartment building at 218 W. Market St., and accosted two men and sought money for drug sales.

Guichard was also ordered by Miller to pay a fine of $1,000, pay court costs and pay $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.