Charged with assaulting stepbrother

Ronald W. Goepfert, 28, of Walker Township, was arrrested Thursday for allegedly assaulting his 13 year old step-brother last month. He was arrainged at the office of District Judge James Ferrier, Orwigsburg, on charges of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, reckless endangerment and endandering the welfare of a child.

Goepfert allegedly was "fooling around" with the younger boy when he grabbed him by the throat and began exerting pressure. Despite witnesses pleas for him to stop, Goepfert continued choking the teen until he began to suffocate. The incident took place on Feb. 12 at 36 Zehner's Crossing in South Tamaqua. Judge Ferrier set bail at $10,000 straight cash bond. Unable to post bond, Goepfert was lodged in the Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville.