CLEARFIELD – A former Houtzdale man was found to have violated his bail conditions, and he was taken to Clearfield County Jail to await sentencing on indecent assault, indecent exposure and other counts.
James “Tony” Hansel, 59, is now living in New Alexandria. He is accused of exposing himself to juveniles, touching one juvenile and providing alcohol to several juveniles.
He was out on bail pending his sentencing, but because of a gesture made on the day he entered his plea, on Friday he was found to have violated his bail conditions.
Hansel entered an open plea of guilt on Oct. 3, the same day his trial was to begin. Shortly after entering the plea, Hansel went to his former Houtzdale home to pick up some of his belongings. Testimony from commonwealth witnesses revealed that Hansel made a gesture toward the home of one victim, a gesture deemed inappropriate by Clearfield County Judge Paul E. Cherry and seen by the victim’s family.
“What bothers me is that it happened … within two hours of when an open plea was entered,” Cherry said before ruling that Hansel had contact with the victims and/or their families when he was told to not do so.
Cherry added that contact in relation to bail conditions is not limited to physical or verbal contact but also includes letter-writing and gestures.
Hansel will be evaluated in accordance with Megan’s Law. He could be sentenced as early as this month, but a sentencing in December is more likely.