Cyberbullying Panel At MN

Pennsylvania State Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R-26) is hosting a panel on cyberbullying, 7 tonight, April 8, at Marple Newtown High School, 120 Media Line Road, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073. Cyberbullying Panel At MN

RSVP by calling Nick Cocco at 610-853-4100.

Hat tip Delaware County Patriots.

Cyberbullying Panel At MN

Valerie West A Little Girl From Broomall, Pa

Ten-year-old Valerie West of Broomall, Pa preformed today, Nov. 10, for the pre-game crowd at the Temple-Cincinnati game at the Linc.

Remember that you heard her name here first.
Hopefully, all those attending got an Honor Flight military duck.

Dennis Anderson Has Cleared His Office

Embattled Newtown (Pa) Police Chief Dennis Anderson reportedly cleared his office last week.

Anderson has for months been the subject of rumors of removal.
There has been no official action regarding his status.

Senior Citizen, Wife Face Charges For After-Prom Pool Party

 By Pattie Price

Francis Matarazzo, 67, and his wife Anita Milici-Matarazzo, 54, of Marple were held for a Sept. 13 arraignment in Common Pleas Court following a hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Dave Lang on the charges of corruption of minors. The charges stem from an after prom pool party 2:19 a.m., June 3, at their home in the Crystal Forest Development.

According to the affidavit, Marple Sgt. Mike Johnson and Officer Joe McGettigan responded to a report of a loud party in the Crystal Forest development. While enroute police received a 911 hang up call from the Matarazzo residence. When police called the number back a woman answered and said there was a party at the end of the cul-de-sac but everything was fine.

Johnson and McGettigan arrived at the home and encountered a large pool party. They spoke to Mr. Matarazzo who was not happy to see the police. He explained that he was hosting an after prom party and that everything was under control. While speaking with Matarazzo, police saw numerous 15 and 16-year-olds fleeing into the wooded area around the house. Police saw numerous juveniles dropping beer cans and red Solo cups both inside the house and in the back yard.

When police reached the rear of the house they located more juveniles scattering into the house and debris from the underage drinking party.

When Johnson told Mr. Matarazzo that it was not appropriate to host an underage drinking party, Matarazzo said it was under control and it was better for him to host the party rather than have the kids out on their own. He also defended his actions by telling police that they were providing a safe location to have the party because the students were going to drink anyway, so it may as well be supervised.

Mrs. Matarazzo said there were between 36 to 40 kids at the Epsicopal Academy Junior after prom party and most of the kids were staying overnight. She also defended the alcohol consumption stating that she invited three friends to chaperone the party.

Surrounding police departments helped round up the juveniles. The chaperones did nothing to help police locate the missing juveniles. Mr. Matarazzo said he had people (chaperones) watching the juveniles at all times. Johnson explained that they weren’t watching too closely, as some of them were missing.

A beer bong was seized

The charges of furnishing liquor to minors and disorderly conduct were withdrawn against the Matarazzos.

The charges of furnishing liquor to minors and disorderly conduct were dismissed against chaperones Michael Taddie, 30, of Upper Darby; Michele Raimo, 32, of Laurel Springs, NJ; and Nicole Branca, 36, of Blackwood, NJ.

Township Manager Recommends Firing Newtown Chief

A disciplinary letter recommending that Newtown (Pa) Police Chief Dennis Anderson be fired has been filed by Township Manager Mike Trio, the Marple Newtown Patch is reporting.

The letter was sent last week. 
The firing of Anderson will require a vote by the Newtown Supervisors.
Anderson was suspended from May 22 to June 22 with pay. Anderson had requested a public hearing regarding the dispute which was posted from July 12 to July 24 then indefinitely.

DUI Cases Heard In Newtown

By Pattie Price

Paul Willey, 57, of Newtown waived a hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Lee Hunter on the charges of DUI, accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property, duty to give information or render aid, reckless driving, careless driving, and a stop sign violation. The charges stem from an accident 6:17p.m., March 13, in the 3500 block of West Chester Pike, Newtown, Pa.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Lt. Chris Lunn responded to a report of an accident where the driver fled and was seen turning onto Radnor Drive. The vehicle, with heavy front end damage, was located in front of 47 Radnor Drive. Witnesses, including Marple Detective Barry Williams, followed Willey and called 911.

Willey had an odor of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet and admitted he consumed gin. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .168 percent. Willey was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test.

Willey was released and is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * *

John Duthie, 25, of Marple, waived a hearing on the charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and a red light violation. In exchange for the waiver the charge of possession of a controlled substance was withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 11:15p.m., Jan. 16, at West Chester Pike and Route 252.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Joe Vandegrift was monitoring traffic when he saw a black pick up truck go through the red light. Duthie, who was later identified as the driver, turned into the Carriage House Apartments and was stopped.

Confiscated from Duthie were five syringes and some heroin. Duthie admitted that he uses the needles to inject heroin.

Duthie is scheduled for a June 17 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * *

Kenneth Manganiello, 51, of Media, waived a hearing on the charges of DUI, careless driving, and driving on roadways laned for traffic. The charges stem from an incident 11:17p.m., March 13 on Bishop Hollow Road at Campus Boulevard.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Joe Vandegrift stopped Manganiello when he saw him swerving and crossing the double yellow lines on Bishop Hollow Road.

Manganiello said he was on his way home from work and admitted to consuming two drinks. He failed field sobriety tests and was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .182 percent.

Manganiello was released to his wife and is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * *

Valerie Paparo, 36, of Media, waived a hearing on the charges of reckless driving, driving without a seatbelt, and two counts of recklessly endangering another person. In exchange for the waiver the charge of DUI was withdrawn. The charges stem from an accident 11:17a.m., Nov. 22  on North Newtown Street Road.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Joe Vandegrift responded to a two-car accident in the 400 block of North Newtown Street Road near Gradyville Road. Mrs. Paparo’s vehicle struck a  tree. She sustained a laceration to her head. The two children in the car sustained minor injuries all though only one child was properly restrained.

Vandegrift detected an odor of alcohol. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .037 percent, well below the legal limit of .08 percent. All three occupants were transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center for treatment. A blood test revealed the presence of alcohol, marijuana and codeine.

Mrs. Paparo is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * * 

Justin Hrebiniak, 36, of Bryn Mawr, waived a hearing on the charges of DUI. In exchange for the waiver, the charges of careless driving and duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 7:15p.m., March 14, at West Chester Pike and Bryn Mawr Avenue.

According to the affidavit Newtown Officer Joe Alonso responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver operating a Subaru. Newtown Detective John Newell spotted the vehicle as it turned onto Bryn Mawr Avenue from West Chester Pike. Newell followed the car with lights and sirens as the driver, later identified as Hrebiniak, was seen swerving and crossing the double yellow lines. Alonso caught up to them near Sproul Road and they were able to stop Hrebiniak near the I-476 overpass.

Hrebiniak said that he didn’t hear the sirens and didn’t see the flashing lights

Hrebiniak had an odor of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet, and a portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .159 percent. He was transported to Riddle Memorial Hospital for a blood test.

Hrebiniak was released and is scheduled for a July 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * *

Catherine Rupertus, 40, of Aston, waived a hearing on the charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. In exchange for the waiver the charges of driving while her license was suspended, drivers required to be licensed, and a red light violation were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 11:05p.m., Feb. 23, in the unit block of South Newtown Street Road.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Bill Moor was monitoring traffic at West Chester Pike and Route 252 when he saw an SUV go through a red light and make a left turn from Westbound West Chester Pike onto Route 252. He stopped the driver, identified as Ms. Rupertus, in the unit block of S. Newtown Street Road. She immediately apologized to police and said that her license was suspended.

Ms. Rupertus said she had been arrested previously for possession of Heroin. She had something in her hand and told police it was methadone pills.

Also confiscated from Ms. Rupertus was a little marijuana, an aluminum smoking device containing marijuana residue, and more methadone pills

A computer check revealed Ms. Rupertus’ license was suspended and expired.

Ms. Rupertus is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * * 

Ted Edwards, 59, of Avondale waived a hearing on the charges of DUI for an incident 10:56p.m., March 4, at West Chester Pike and Route 252. In exchange for the waiver a red light violation was withdrawn.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Dan Dougherty was monitoring traffic when he saw a Toyota go through the red light on West Chester Pike onto southbound Newtown Street Road. The driver, identified as Edwards, was stopped at Mary Jane Lane.

Edwards had a strong odor of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .134 percent. Edwards was transported to Riddle Memorial Hospital for a blood test.

Edwards told police he had two drinks with his dying father who lives at Dunwoody Village.

Edwards was released and is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * *

Stephen Brown, 32, of Coatesville waived a hearing on the charges of four counts each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. In exchange for the waiver the charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 10:50 p.m., July 5, 2011, in the 3500 block of West Chester Pike.

According to the affidavit, Newtown Detective John Newell investigated a report from the owner of TPM Hardwood Flooring who discovered 10 expensive tools missing from his shop. He also told Newell that a former employee was responsible for the thefts. The business owner said he hired Brown in May 2011 and his last day was June 22, 2001.

Another employee alerted the owner that Brown stole the tools and sold them to a Pawn Shop in Coatesville

Newell checked with the American/Pottstown Cash Traders and learned that Brown traded some of the tools for cash. 

The tools are valued at $6,500.

Brown is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court. He was remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility when he was unable to post bail.

* * *

The charges of receiving stolen property and access device is counterfeit were withdrawn against Shane Dubin, 25, of Newtown. In exchange Dubin plead guilty to disorderly conduct and was fined.

The charges stem from incidents Jan. 17 and 19 when Dubin used a Philadelphia woman’s credit card without permission to purchase food from the Upper Crust, 3711 West Chester Pike.

Police spoke to Dubin on Jan. 20 and filed the charges when he hadn’t paid $103. in restitution by Jan. 25.

Newtown Police Warn Of New Internet Scams

Courtesy of Pattie Price

The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center has put out a report of recent internet scamsThis report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends, new twists to previously-existing cyber scams, and announcements.  If you wish to read about them click on this link:  http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/120420.aspx

The Newtown Police received a complaint on April 19  from a township resident who found out he is the victim of one of these scams, the fraudulent tax return – identity theft.

 

Lt. Christopher Lunn

Newtown Township Police Department

209 Bishop Hollow Rd

Newtown Square, PA 19073

610-356-0602

Lunnc@newtowntownship.org

 

Ex-O’Hara Teacher Faces Trespass Charge

By Pattie Price

Former Cardinal O’Hara High School teacher Walter Lion, 61, of Chadds Ford waived a hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Dave Lang on two counts each of defiant trespass and disorderly conduct. The charges stem from an incident 11:48a.m., Feb. 24, when he entered the school building at 1701 S. Sproul Road, Marple, Pa.

According to the affidavit, Marple Detective Larry Gerrity said Delaware County CID and Marple Police investigated a report in March 2008 that a school computer had images of underage people engaging in sexual activities. The computer was linked to Lion and he was terminated and told he was not allowed to return to the school property.

Gerrity said the school’s disciplinarian saw Lion in a classroom speaking to a teacher on Feb. 24. Lion said he was at the school to inquire about a teacher who was on medical leave. The disciplinarian escorted Lion from the building and told him never to return. Lion walked toward the parking lot.

A few minutes later, the disciplinarian saw Lion in the school gymnasium with his pants zipper down. When Lion saw her, he turned and ran.

The school administration called police and locked down the building. Marple Police were assisted in searching the building by numerous officers from other jurisdictions for more than two hours. The search was called off when Pennsylvania State Police located Lion at his Chadds Ford residence.

Lion was released and is scheduled for a May 10 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * * 

Joseph Hallinan, 19, of Marple, waived a hearing on the charges of a minor driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia. In exchange for the waiver the charges of restrictions on alcoholic beverages, driving without headlights on, driving while his license was suspended, and underage drinking were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 11:48p.m., Feb. 18, at Sproul and Cedar Grove roads.

According to the affidavit, Marple Officer Kate Connolly stopped a black Chevy Blazer when she saw it stopped at a red-light, without its lights on.

The driver, Hallinan had an odor of alcohol and a portable breath test revealed the presence of alcohol. He was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test.

Several cans of beer and two smoking pipes were confiscated from the vehicle.

Hallinan was released and is scheduled for a May 10 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

* * * 

Cara DeVito, 23, of Marple waived a hearing on the charges of DUI and careless driving stemming from an accident 9:29p.m., Jan. 17, at Cedar Grove Road and Kingswood Lane.

According to the affidavit, Marple Officer Nick Coffin responded to a report of an accident and located an overturned car. The driver, identified as Ms. DeVito was located inside a nearby home using the bathroom.

Ms. DeVito told police she lost control of her car when she swerved to avoid a tree and the vehicle rolled over.

Ms. DeVito had an odor of alcohol, was not sure where she was, and didn’t know where she was coming from. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .157. She was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test.

Ms. DeVito was released and is scheduled for a May 10 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.

Suspected Locker Thief Waives Prelim. Hearing

By Pattie Price

Carl Kasarsky, 19, of Marple waived a hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Lee Hunter on the charges of theft by unlawful taking and underage drinking. In exchange for the waiver the charge of receiving stolen property was withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 3:30 p.m., Feb. 14, at Ellis Athletic Center, 3819 West Chester Pike.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Detective John Newell said Kasarky, who is not a member of the gym, was seen in the men’s locker room looking through several lockers. When Kasarsky saw an employee watching him, he ran and the employee gave chase. The employee was not able to catch Kasarsky but he was able to provide police a description of Kasarsky and the car he got away in.
When the employee returned to the gym, a man reported numerous one-dollar bills were stolen from his wallet while he was working out.
Marple Police were alerted to check their gym parking lots for Kasarsky’s car. Marple Officer Drew Baylor spotted Kasarsky driving around the parking lot of Planet Fitness and he was stopped.
Baylor said Kasarsky appeared to be very nervous. He was then identified by the gym employee and taken into custody.
Kasarsky was in possession of 41 one-dollar bills and several bottles of alcohol were confiscated from the trunk of his car.
Kasarky admitted stealing the money as well as a watch the previous day.
Kasarsky was released after posting 10 percent of $25,000 bail. He is scheduled for a March 22 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Patrick Wynne, 25, of Havertown, waived a hearing on the charges of driving while his license was suspended – DUI related and fleeing or attempting to elude police. In exchange for the waiver the charges of DUI, unlawful to issue false ID, speeding, and reckless driving were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 11:30a.m., Nov. 3, on Media Line Road.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Dean Hodges was conducting a traffic detail in the 300 block of Media Line Road when he clocked Wynne at 45 mph. in a posted 25 mph. zone. At first Wynne slowed down but then fled south at a high rate of speed. Wynne turned onto Gradyville Road and wrecked his car in the 3600 block. He attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
Two open packets of Suboxone were confiscated and Wynne was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test.
Wynne was remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility when he was unable to post 10 percent of $50,000. He is scheduled for a March 22 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
 * * *
William Steward Jr., 50, of Newtown waived a hearing on the charges of careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed, and criminal mischief. In exchange for the waiver the charges of DUI, reckless driving and speeding were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 2:45a.m., Oct. 5, in the 100 block of Bryn Mawr Avenue.
According to the affidavit Newtown Officer Chris Barksdale responded to an accident and learned that Steward was attempting to leave the scene. The vehicle overturned and the front drivers’ wheel was caved in rendering the vehicle incapable of moving.
Steward had a strong odor of alcohol, was sweating profusely, and his pupils were fixed and responses to questions were erratic and rambling. A portable breath test registered a .076 percent blood alcohol level.
Steward was transported to Riddle Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor lacerations.
The accident investigation revealed Steward was traveling north on Bryn Mawr Avenue in the southbound lanes when he lost control and struck a retaining wall an mailboxes after rolling over several times.
* * *
Anthony Liberati, 68, of Newtown plead guilty to harassment and disorderly conduct following an incident 10:23a.m., Nov. 30, on S. Newtown Street Road. In exchange for the waiver the charge simple assault was withdrawn.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Lt. Chris Lunn investigated a road rage incident. Liberati, the driver of a dump truck, sprayed what police believe was mace into the victim’s face. The victim was holding his hands to his face in obvious distress.
Witnesses confirmed Liberati sprayed the victim with what they thought was pepper mace. The victim was transported to Riddle Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Newtown Officer Dean Hodges recovered a mace gun from Liberati’s vehicle.
Liberati was ordered to pay fined and court costs.

Woman Allegedly Gave False ID At Car Stop

By Pattie Price

Mary Touch, 28, of Pennsauken, NJ, waived a hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Justice Dave Lang on the charges of unsworn falsifications, false identification to law enforcement authorities, and registration and certificate of title required. In exchange for the waiver the charge of forgery was withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 8:40 a.m., Oct. 26, on South Sproul Road, Marple, Pa.
According to the affidavit, Marple Sgt. Mike Johnson stopped Ms. Touch when he saw her operating a Dodge Stratus with an expired registration sticker. She gave Johnson a false name, date of birth and address. He issued a citation in the name Ms. Touch provided.
On Dec. 2, Johnson met with Ms. Touch’s friend (the name she initially gave him) and was informed by the friend that Ms. Touch used her name to stay out of trouble.
Ms. Touch is scheduled for a March 15 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Josephine Guernsey, 58, of Collingdale waived a hearing on the charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property following an incident 7:56p.m., Dec. 21, at Walmart, 400 S. State Road, Marple.
According to the affidavit, Marple Officer Andrew Ronsvalle said a Walmart security agent had Ms. Guernsey in custody when he arrived. The agent had seen Ms. Guernsey conceal DVD’s valued at $282.60 an attempt to leave the store.
A computer check revealed Ms. Guernsey has two prior retail theft arrests.
Ms. Guernsey is scheduled for a March 15 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
David Alston, 38, of Chester was held for a March 15 Common Pleas Court arraignment on the charges of possession of a small amount or marijuana and criminal conspiracy. The charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 1:40p.m., Oct. 24, at the Old Navy store in Marple Crossroad Shopping Center.
According to the affidavit Marple Detective Barry Williams was called to assist patrol officers who stopped a car that was wanted by authorities in connection to a Chester felony case. Alston was in handcuffs and his co-defendant was holding two small children. A diaper bag, containing suspected marijuana, was confiscated from the car.
Alston said he wanted to take the blame for the marijuana.
Alston is scheduled for a March 15 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Dnasia Anderson, 20, of Chester, waived a hearing on the charge of theft by unlawful taking or disposition stemming from an incident 1:44p.m., Dec. 14, at the Walmart in Marple.
According to the affidavit, Marple Detective Larry Gerrity said Walmart employee Ms. Anderson admitted to stealing $9,600 from the cash registers and fraudently loaded gift cards valued at $1,600.
Ms. Anderson is scheduled for a March 15 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Michael McMenamin, 45, of Springfield plead guilty to the summary charges of retail theft and harassment for an incident 4:28p.m., Jan. 26, at Marshall’s, 400 S. State Road, Marple. In exchange for the guilty plea the charge of a misdemeanor retail theft was reduced to a summary offence and the charge of receiving stolen property was withdrawn.
According to the affidavit, Marple Officer Chris Barmes responded to a 911 call from Walmart. McMenamin was in custody in the security office. A security agent saw McMenamin conceal a Penn State shirt, valued at $12.99 and a pair of socks valued at $7.99.
McMenamin was confronted as he left the store and pushed the agent and knocked the sliding door off track during his struggle to get away. McMenamin was stopped and the merchandise was recovered.
A criminal background revealed McMenamin has a retail theft arrest in 2008.
* * *
Baindu Rogers, 28, of Darby, plead guilty to disorderly conduct for an incident 7:40a.m., July 2, at Divine Providence Village, 686 Old Marple Road, Marple. In exchange for the guilty plea the charges of harassment and criminal conspiracy were withdrawn.
According to the affidavit Marple Detective Mike Sharkey said the victim, an employee of Divine Providence, received a call  on her work cell phone. The caller said he was hired by one of her subordinates to hurt her and to slash her tires. The caller said that because he didn’t know her, he wouldn’t hurt her or slash her tires but he was warning her that she was not well liked.
Ms. Rodgers confessed to police that she gave the victim’s cell phone number to a friend who harassed the victim.