Carbon County court — guilty pleas
Six defendants in pending criminal cases entered guilty pleas before Judge Joseph J. Matika in the county court on Nov. 21.
Daniel Shearon Shields, 68, of Weatherly, pleaded to one count of unsworn falsification. He was charged by Weatherly police for an incident on Dec. 15, 2016, when he filled out an application for a firearm and failed to mention a prior arrest which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Matika placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get a mental health evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, render 50 hours of community service and have no guns in his possession.
Chaun Samaroo-West, 24, of Northampton, pleaded to one count each of disorderly conduct and harassment, both summary offenses. In a plea bargain with the district attorney’s office a charge of simple assault was dropped.
He was arrested on July 14, 2016, by Nesquehoning police for an incident at the Turkey Hill mini mart on Catawissa Street. He engaged in a fight with another person in the parking lot.
Matika imposed a fine of $100 on each count and costs.
Zoey Bartenope, 20, of Palmerton, pleaded to one count of retail theft. She was charged for an incident on June 26 at the Fuel Up in Nesquehoning where she took merchandise valued at $18.67.
Sentencing was deferred because Bartenope, who is an inmate in the county prison on a parole violation, has pending sentencing proceedings in two other counties — Northampton and Schuylkill.
Zachary James Claypotch, 27, of Hazleton, pleaded to one count of theft. He was charged by state police at Hazleton for stealing electrical conduits from the yard of his neighbor on Sept. 20 in Banks Township.
Matika put him on probation for six months and ordered he make restitution to the victim for $36, render 25 hours of community service and have no contact with the victim.
Michael Glen Kirchner, 55, of Beaver Meadows, pleaded to one count each of theft and criminal mischief, as a summary offense.
He was arrested by state police at Hazleton for slashing tires on a vehicle outside the Horseshoe bar in Banks Township and stealing money from a purse inside the bar. The incident occurred on April 1.
On the theft count Matika placed him on probation for a year and ordered he make restitution totaling $153 and render 50 hours of community service. On the mischief charge he was fined $100 and costs.
Felix Juan Vasquez, 28, of Allentown, pleaded to one count of criminal conspiracy — retail theft.
He was arrested on June 25 by Mahoning Township police for a theft incident at the Walmart store. There is a co-defendant in the case.
He was placed on probation for a year and ordered make restitution of $231.08 (his half-share) to Walmart, render 50 hours of community service and stay out of the store.
Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation or parole.
