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 In exchange for the waiver the charge of possession of a controlled substance was withdrawn.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.

HB 1776 Hearing

The House Finance Committee will convene a hearing 9 a.m., today,  May 21,  to collect testimony about the Property Tax Independence Act (House Bill 1776), according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129) who is the bill’s sponsor
David Baldinger, who serves as president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations (PCTA), an alliance of 72 grassroots Pennsylvania taxpayer advocacy groups that represent tens of thousands of taxpayers across the Commonwealth, is on the agenda to testify.
HB 1776 Hearing
HB 1776 Hearing

Bill Would Extend EITC To Vocational Schools

The House Education Committee has approved a bill to ensure public career and vocational schools are eligible for the state’s successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129).
The EITC program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to an Education Improvement Organization (EIO) associated with a public or private school.  The tax credit is equal to 75 percent of the business contribution, up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year.
House Bill 2319 would include public career and technical schools on the list of educational institutions that can be served by EIOs.   Pennsylvania is home to 82 career and technical schools that help to train tomorrow’s workers.

Obama on Wright

The standup comic,Jackie Mason,has the funniest(and most revealing)
 stand up routine on Obama and Rev Wright.
Be prepared to laugh yourself silly!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ5c6hxqXq4&feature=related

Made With Organic Grapes

And speaking of wine, I had an enjoyable chardonnay from Mendocino Vineyards acquired from the state store — excuse Wine and Spirits Shoppe — in Media for $7.99.

It went perfectly with the orange fennel salmon, stuffed fresh mushrooms and sauteed fresh green beans with walnuts made by Chef William Lawrence Sr.
The produce was acquired cheaply from the Produce Junction in Marple next to the old county incinerator, so cheap, in fact, much of it went to the neighbors.
One of the enjoyable surprises with chardonnay was the claim on the label that it was “made with organic grapes.” Have to love a California vineyard with a sense of humor.
Made With Organic Grapes

Bill Would Allow Mail Orders For Wine

The House Liquor Control Committee has endorsed legislation to allow for direct shipment of out-of-state wines to Pennsylvania homes, according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129)
House Bill 845 would permit the shipment of wine to Commonwealth residents by wineries that obtain a direct wine shipper license.  An unlimited amount of wine could then be shipped directly to any Pennsylvania resident who is at least 21 years of age or older for personal use only.
Current law allows for online purchases to be delivered to a Liquor Control Board store and limits the volume of the purchase and the types of wines that may be purchased.  Pennsylvania is one of 17 states that ban direct shipment to wine consumers.
The bill is awaiting consideration by the full House.

Unmarked Cars Should Never Be Used For Traffic Stops

By Chris Freind

The Killings In Mississippi Illustrate The Dangers

In separate incidents last week, two people were gunned down on Mississippi highways by a police impersonator, who, it appears, used a fake unmarked police car to pull over his unsuspecting victims.

Police are concerned that, because of this incident and others like it, citizens may no longer stop for unmarked cars. 

Well it’s about time.  They shouldn’t stop.  Not now. Not ever. 

The most important question that needs to be addressed is: “What is the purpose of unmarked police cars?” Is it to catch drivers committing violations, or to promote traffic safety?  In either case, marked cars accomplish both objectives just as well, if not better. 

When drivers see a marked police car, they instinctively slow down and evaluate how they were driving. Just seeing that cruiser is enough of a reality check to re-focus on driving safely, and the police know it.  That is why more and more departments are placing fully marked “dummy” cars (with no officers) in areas where drivers have a tendency to speed or roll through stop signs. Unmarked cars, by definition, cannot achieve these goals. 

If the object is to not be “seen” by drivers, this can be (and is) effectively realized by using fully marked cars without the giveaway top lightbar. This solves two problems: speeding drivers can’t readily identify these vehicles on roadways, and the officer’s credentials are never in question.

The use of unmarked cars for traffic stops has produced unintended, and very tragic, results. People have become so accustomed to seeing unmarked cars employed in traffic duty that they instinctively pull over for any vehicle behind them with flashing lights.  The Mississippi case is only the most recent example of fake unmarked cars being used to victimize drivers. It has happened before, and, until those vehicles are completely pulled from traffic duty, it will happen again.

But that’s not the only deceptive practice that should be re-evaluated.

Some police departments hide radar guns on “broken down” cars to catch those driving a bit too fast. While maintaining traffic safety is important, going to those lengths foments anger and leads to the bigger question of “what’s next?”  If they are willing to deceive to that extent just for traffic violations, what else will they do in the name of “justice?”

Worst of all are police — including those in unmarked units — sitting on private property (such as residential driveways and businesses’ parking lots) while staking out intersections or engaging in speed traps “stings.”

The Upper Providence Police Department in Delaware County has perfected this practice, on Route 252 right off the U.S. 1 Bypass. Police (sometimes in unmarked cars) sit in the service station next to the off-ramp, as well as in driveways up and down both 252 and Providence Road. While the revenue collected must be astounding, so is the massive ill-will generated by such tactics. (And no, this is not a self-serving column, as I have not been a victim of those traps). 

That practice should, without question, be outlawed.  It smacks of coercion and intimidation, and makes ordinary Americans begin to think they are living in a police state.  Our police are supposed to “serve and protect” the people, but when they employ such tactics, respect turns to resentment.

Incredibly, in some areas, police utilizing private property have not asked the owner for permission.  But would it matter if they did?  How many people are willing to say “No” to such a request?  Very few, even if they disapprove, as many would feel intimidated, fearing repercussions if they don’t accede to the police. 

From a practical standpoint, do you really want to be the guy on whose property the cops sit when they bag everyone on your street?  Being partially responsible for your neighbors’ expensive tickets that will “keep on giving” should their insurance company find out is not exactly the best way to make — or keep — friends.

What does it say then, that with all the major problems confronting police, many stoop to those levels of deception just to fund routine traffic violations? Nailing otherwise law-abiding citizens for going a few miles per hour over the speed limit makes people view the police as nothing more than revenue-collectors, and lessens the prestige that our men and women in Blue deserve.

Making matters worse for the police is that speed limits are sometimes set deliberately lower than they should be so that more tickets can be issued, and often change with little or no warning, creating a money-making speedtrap.  While the police are not responsible for setting speed limits, and are simply enforcing the law, they are the public face associated with hefty tickets, and they, fairly or not, bear the brunt of the people’s anger.

Should we have speed limits? Obviously.  Should drivers who blow stop signs and red lights be cited, or at least issued a warning? Of course. But in a free society, the police should be doing these things with full transparency, free of deception and intimidation, utilizing only equipment and uniforms which unmistakably identify them.

Only then will the “us against them” mentality — on both sides — begin to fade away, and, infinitely more important, make routine traffic stops safer for both driver and officer.

One More Reason Why This Birther Thing Just Doesn’t Go Away

Brietbart News has revealed that a 1991 promotional pamphlet for Barack Obama’s first book project described him as “born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii.” 

The pamphlet was produced by Obama’s then then-literary agency, Acton & Dystel, which touts describes him as having been”born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii.” 
The pamphlet was was for Journeys in Black and White which was never finished. The agents are saying that it was all a mistake.
For the record, the first birther was former Montgomery County Democratic Party Chairman Phil Berg.

American Centennial March –Philadelphia Music Of The Day

Mario Lanza might pop into one ones head when one considers Philadelphia music or the Orlons, or the Delfonics, or Frankie Avalon or the Hooters but certainly not Richard Wagner, the European composer  famous for his contributions to Bugs Bunny cartoons and Apocalypse Now.

Well here is American Centennial March that the City of Philadelphia commissioned in 1876 for $5,000 which is about $102,000 in today’s money.


 

American Centennial March --Philadelphia Music Of The Day

American Centennial March –Philadelphia Music Of The Day

Another Big Paper Kills Its Sunday Mag

In an other sign of our changing media world, the Los Angeles Times has announced that it is ending its Sunday magazine.

Children, once upon a time newspaper stories were written on something called typewriters and people would spend all day reading the Sunday edition.