The staff at GantDaily would like to say hello and welcome to 2010. With 2009 out of the way, it’s time to look back at our most-read stories from that bygone year.
Here’s how it works: we take the top three stories from each month, as read by you, the reader. We’ll start January and work our way to December. We hope you enjoy this look back.
JANUARY 2009
Morelli OnLion: Super Bowl Week
There’s a feeling in the air. Can you feel it? Ah, yes. It’s Super Bowl week.
If you read last week’s column, you know that I am a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan and am extremely amped up for Super Bowl XLIII with the Arizona Cardinals. Normally, I’d fire off a prediction, but I am superstitious and don’t want to hex my beloved Steelers.
Let’s just say that I will be waiting anxiously for 6:28 p.m. Sunday, so we can finally put the wraps on two weeks of hype and kick off the Super Bowl.
But let’s take a break from the black and gold for a second and get back to the blue and white, which is what this column is supposed to be about.
In today’s edition of Morelli OnLion, we’ll have some random PSU thoughts, a story about Daryll Clark and Part III of Hoops Improvement.
Let’s start with some random thoughts:
For that story click here.
Grampian Man Charged with Assault
GRAMPIAN – A Grampian man was charged with aggravated assault and related charges after allegedly waiving a gun in a woman’s direction and threatening to shoot her on Wednesday.
James A. Brock II, 29, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
According to state police in Clearfield Brock and the woman got into an argument that ended up turning physical. Police say that during the altercation Brock reportedly cocked the hammer of a loaded pistol and waived it in the woman’s direction and stated he would shoot her.
Brock was taken into custody and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins. He was placed in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Three Arrested After Police Called to Nichols Street
CLEARFIELD – Three people were taken into custody following a call to police about a protection from abuse violation on Nichols Street on Wednesday.
According to the Clearfield Borough Police Department 27-year-old Donald Carey was arrested for allegedly violating the court order. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Ireland and placed in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Police stated that an 18-year-old Clearfield man was found hiding in the residence. He was wanted on a warrant for failure to appear in court. Charges against him are pending.
A 22-year-old Clearfield woman was also arrested. She was wanted by the Lawrence Township Police Department. She was arraigned before Ireland and placed in Clearfield County Jail for failure to pay fines.
Click here for that story.
FEBRUARY 2009
Clearfield County DA: Juvenile Charged for Sending Nude Pictures
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announces that a juvenile petition has been filed charging a Clearfield County juvenile for sending nude pictures.
Shaw identified the juvenile as a 15 year old girl from Clearfield County. The girl is currently in the custody of her mother.
The juvenile petition filed by Trooper William Mostyn of the Pennsylvania State Police, Woodland Barracks, charges the juvenile with possession of child pornography, distributing child pornography, and creating child pornography.
For that story click here.
LTPD asks for Public’s Help in Locating Stabbing Suspects
CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating two people involved in a stabbing that occurred Monday morning.
According to police at around 9 a.m. a man entered the police station and advised that he had been robbed and stabbed. Officers contacted emergency medical services and had them respond as the man had three 1 inch stab marks to his abdominal area.
The man told police that he was walking along the railroad tracks behind the Ameri-Gas building in Hyde when two men approached him and asked him for money.
Click here for that story.
Area Firefighters Respond to Commercial Fire
CLEARFIELD – Area firefighters fought to control a commercial fire at the Mt. Zion Recycling center at 64 Color Lane Thursday.
Engines and volunteers from all over came to combat the blaze: Clearfield, Oklahoma, Lawrence Township, Hyde, Glenn Richy, Goshen, DuBois City, Sandy Township, Houtzdale and Penfield active on scene.
The fire was alerted to at 12:47 p.m. and it was expected to be under control by 5:00 p.m. Thursday. The owner, Jim Hile, was not present at the scene at the time. There were no injuries to either volunteers fighting the fire or workers at the recycling center.
For that story click here.
MARCH 2009
DuBois Man Among Five Arrested in Child Predator Investigations
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Tom Corbett announced that agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit have arrested five men during the past week, all accused of using the Internet to sexually proposition what they believed were children.
One of the men arrested was a 44-year-old DuBois man.
Corbett said that in one of the cases, a Montgomery County man allegedly took advantage of heavy snow and school cancellations in the Philadelphia area to arrange a meeting with what he believed was a 13-year old girl. The “girl” was actually an undercover agent from the Child Predator Unit.
Click here for that story.
Seven Corrections Officers Injured During Fight at SCI-Houtzdale
HOUTZDALE – State police in Clearfield are investigating a large fight that occurred at the State Correctional Institution in Houtzdale on Thursday evening that left seven corrections officers with injuries.
According to the report inmates were gathered for dinner in dining hall 2. One inmate threw his meal ticket at the CO who was collecting them. The inmate was ordered to pick the ticket up but refused. A supervisor was called to help defuse the incident.
The inmate then removed his jacket and struck a CO. Words were exchanged and other inmates removed their jackets and tied their boots. The CO was struck again, and while they were trying to get control of the situation other CO’s were struck. The ruckus moved into a canopied area where the CO’s were able to get control of the inmates.
For that story click here.
Clearfield County Announces New CYFS Director
CLEARFIELD – On Tuesday the Clearfield County Commissioners announced the appointment of a new Children, Youth and Family Services coordinator.
Jason Hamilton was named to the position, effective March 9. According to a press release from the commissioners Hamilton has over 12 years of experience working in child welfare agencies in Pennsylvania counties. He has served in the position of caseworker, assistant director and as the director of CYS in two counties. It was noted that through those experiences he gained extensive knowledge of the laws, regulations and fiscal responsibilities necessary to properly manage a county-level children and youth services agency.
Click here for that story.
APRIL 2009
Area Crews On Scene at DuBois Fire
DuBois- Fire departments, police and other emergency responders are currently at the scene of a structure fire at Perkins Restaurant.
The fire appears to have destroyed the building.
Keep reading Gant Daily for more information as it becomes available.
Frenchville Man Pleads Guilty to Raping Four-Year-Old Girl
CLEARFIELD – On Wednesday a Frenchville man was sentenced to 15-60 years in state prison after pleading guilty to raping a 4-year-old girl.
Sherman Graham, pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of burglary, flight to avoid apprehension and related charges. Graham must pay restitution and is prohibited from contact with any of the victim’s in the case, and is also prohibited from contacting any member of the 4-year-old girl’s family.
According to court records, on July 28, 2008 the 4-year-old girl told her mother how Graham had penetrated her. She later told police that Graham had vaginally and anally penetrated her. She also reported that Graham told her not to tell anyone or he would hurt her.
The woman confronted Graham who initially denied the claim. Reportedly he later admitted to her that he did what the girl claimed.
Click here for that story.
Area Man Dies as Result of Industrial Accident in DuBois
DUBOIS – The DuBois City Police Department reported that an area man died as a result of an industrial accident.
According to the report the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office confirmed late Monday afternoon that an area man died as a result of injuries suffered in an industrial accident along DuBois Street at the bridge project over Sandy Lick Creek.
No other information was provided.
MAY 2009
Clearfield County Sheriff’s Dept. Searching for Man Who No-Showed for Sentencing
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office is for the public’s help in locating a man who failed to appear for sentencing.
Jeffrey Rexford Powell is charged with DUI (Bac .10 percent-to-.16 percent); DUI (highest rate of alcohol); five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle and related charges.
According to court records on March 21, 2008 police were called to an accident on Washington Avenue. Officers made contact with the people involved in the accident. Powell was driving a truck while the alleged victim in the case was driving a Hyundai. Three children in the car suffered injuries. The woman and a fourth child suffered abrasions. Police spoke with Powell, and asked for his license, insurance and registration. To get to the information police had to climb through the window of the truck to get the records.
For that story click here.
PSP Searching for Woman Who Posed as CYS Worker
GRAMPIAN – State police in Clearfield are searching for a person who claimed to be a Children Youth and Family Services worker.
According to police the incident occurred Wednesday at around 1:30 p.m. at a residence on Splashdam Road in Grampian. Police stated that an unidentified woman went to the residence and claimed to be a CYS worker. She would not identify herself or show any credentials. She made her way into the residence and briefly spoke with the family about a young child. During the conversation she was able to gain personal information about each member of the family. After getting that information she left.
The woman is described as being stocky, in her mid 40s and having reddish-brown hair. She was driving a four-door sedan of an unknown make and model.
The state police would like to remind residents not to provide personal information (date-of-birth, social security number, etc.) to anyone they do not know. If a similar incident should occur, residents are reminded that they can contact police for assistance.
PSP Clearfield Investigating Fatal Accident on US Route 322
BIGLER – State police in Clearfield are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on US Route 322 Monday.
Clifford G. Williams of Clearfield was traveling west on US Route 322 while Karla Platt of Jamestown, NY was traveling east. According to state police in Clearfield, Williams crossed the center line and collided head-on with Platt’s vehicle.
Williams was pronounced deceased. Platt suffered moderate injuries and several kids in Platt’s vehicle suffered injuries of unknown severity.
JUNE 2009
Clearfield Borough Police Department Asks for Public’s Assistance
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Borough Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the man in the attached photos. The man may have information concerning the theft and use of a debit card on between May 24 and 25.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clearfield Borough Police Department at 765-7819 clfdboro.police@verizon.net.
Clearfield Riverfront Festival Around the Bend
CLEARFIELD – The 2009 edition of the Clearfield Riverfront Festival is nearing, and Clearfield’s official welcome to summer promises an event line-up sure to delight.
The festival, June 11-13, will be held in Clearfield’s Lower Witmer Park with free, family-style entertainment. Food vendors with selections for nearly every taste and crafters with varied specialties will also be at the park daily.
This year’s event features favorites that have become yearly staples, including the return of the parade after last year’s hiatus. A few new surprises are also in store for festival attendees.
The festival opens June 11 at 11 a.m. when food and craft vendors will open for the day and remain so through the evening’s entertainment. The parade will wind through downtown Clearfield beginning at 6:30 p.m. with entrants lining up at 5:30 p.m. Many entrants have already committed to appearing in the 2009 edition of the parade including local marching bands, twirling units, emergency responders and others.
Click here for that story.
Bigler Woman Charged For Allegedly Using Wallaceton-Boggs Municipal Authority Funds for Own Gain
WEST DECATUR – A Bigler woman was charged for allegedly using funds from the Wallaceton-Boggs Municipal Authority for her own gain.
State police in Clearfield allege that Cynthia Carlson used authority funds to purchase personal items, including car repairs, home heating fuel, electric bills and items from local retail stores.
Police alleged that in some instances Carlson, who worked for the authority for about a year, forged authority member signatures to make purchases. Police also reported that Carlson allegedly used WBMA credit card to purchase fuel for her vehicle.
For that story click here.
JULY 2009
How do Ponzi Schemes Work?
Imagine the shock, the horror, and the sheer panic that would come with learning that the financial plan you’d sunk your life savings into was a sham, the financial experts you trusted were crooks, and all your money was gone.
Thousands of investors experienced that nightmare scenario in December 2008, when Bernard “Bernie” Madoff, CEO of the prominent Wall Street firm Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, confessed that the asset management arm of his firm was “a total lie,” as he put it. An estimated $65 billion of investors’ money was vaporized in the financial fraud that experts call a Ponzi scheme. But how does such a scheme work, and how did Madoff trick so many people?
The Ponzi premise is simple, says Ed Ketz, an associate professor of accounting at Penn State. Ponzi victims—typically those without in-depth knowledge of financial jargon—are lured by the promise of fantastic returns on their money. Impressive-sounding terms such as “hedge futures trading,” “high-yield investment programs,” and “offshore investment” are bandied about, but in reality, the dividends paid to investors don’t come from prudent analysis of the markets. Instead, Ponzi payouts come from the cash deposited by other investors. “It’s a charade to get new investments to feed the previous investors and further enrich the person carrying out the scam,” says Ketz.
Click here for that story.
Juveniles Seriously Injured in Weekend Accident
GULICH TOWNSHIP – A juvenile was taken for medical treatment following an ATV/SUV accident at the intersection of state Routes 2001 and 253 on Sunday.
According to state police in Clearfield, a juvenile was driving an ATV east on SR 2001 and ran the stop sign at the intersections of SR 2001 and SR 253. Police stated that a Ford Bronco driven by an 18-year-old Houtzdale resident was traveling north, also ran a stop sign and struck the ATV.
Two juveniles on the ATV suffered serious injuries and were taken to the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment. Neither was wearing a helmet.
For that story click here.
Car/Street Sweeper Accident on Clearfield-Curwensville Highway
CLEARFIELD – Emergency responders were called out for a motor-vehicle accident along the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway near Scalehouse Road on Tuesday.
The accident involved a car and a street sweeper.
AUGUST 2009
Weekend Accident Claims Two Lives
WOODWARD TOWNSHIP – An accident on state Route 253 in Woodward Township claimed the lives of two Ramey women Saturday morning.
According to state police in Clearfield the incident occurred at 11:58 a.m. Jamie Lynn Davis, 26 of Ramey, was traveling south on SR 253. Josephine Mick, 86 of Ramey, was traveling north on SR 253. For unknown reasons Davis crossed the center line into the northbound lane. Police said that Mick tried to avoid the collision by moving off the road to the right, but could not avoid the head on collision.
Click here for that story.
Fair Drawing Winners
CLEARFIELD – Each year some lucky folks are winners at the Clearfield County Fair. These are those folks:
First Place: Max Smith, no town on ticket.
Second Place: Tammy Braid, no town on ticket
Third Place: Curtis Wilkinson of Clearfield.
Winners of the Legion drawing are as follows:
American Legion prize winner list
2009 Clearfield County Fair
First Prize 32″ HDTV: Dave Wills
Second Prize Computer/PrinterL Francis McDermott
Third Prize Corner Hutch: Buffy Dunlap
Fourth Prize $350 Gas Card: George Brett
Fifth Prize Wall Clock: Jenny Graham
Sixth Prize Kayak/Paddle/Vest: John Mital
Seventh Prize Deer Carrier: George Stine
Eighth Prize Multi-Pure Filtration System: Ernest Lingle
Ninth Prize Windmill: Robert Shaw Jr.
Woodland Woman Airlifted After Auto Accident US Route 322
PHILIPSBURG – The Decatur Township Police Department is investigating a two-vehicle accident that resulted in one person being flown for treatment.
According to the report the accident occurred on US Route 322 near the Graham Station intersectionon Wednesday afternoon. James Frank of Phililpsburg was traveling eastbound and attempted to turn into Keller Tire & Auto. Police said that he failed to see a vehicle driven by Tracey Bowman of Woodland approaching from the west. Frank turned into the path of Bowman, resulting in a near head-on collision.
Click here for that story.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Law Enforcement Searches for Escaped CCJ Prisoner
CLEARFIELD – A multi-department search is under way for a dangerous Clearfield County Jail escapee.
According to Lawrence Township Police Chief Jeff Fink, Michael Rodriguez escaped from CCJ at around 2 p.m. Tuesday. Rodriguez is described as being 6 feet tall and weighing around 180 pounds. His mug-shot shows that he has a tattoo on the right side of his neck.
Fink said that Rodriguez, who is from New York, was in CCJ due to an incident in the City of DuBois.
“At this point he’s considered dangerous,” said Fink. He expanded on that statement, saying that Rodriquez has an extensive history of violent crimes.
According to court records Rodriguez is in jail on burglary and related charges.
For that story click here.
Clearfield Man Airlifted Following Wednesday Accident
UNION TOWNSHIP – A Clearfield man who suffered major injuries was airlifted following an accident on DuBois-Rockton Road on Wednesday.
According to state police in DuBois Ashley Kirk of Clearfield was traveling south on DuBois-Rockton Road when she took her eyes off the road to get a pack of cigarettes out of the middle console. She traveled off the right edge of the road then reentered the roadway. She caught the abrupt edge of the pavement, over-corrected and lost control of her Dodge Neon.
Police said that Kirk swerved into the oncoming lane of traffic, then back into her lane where she lost control. The vehicle slid sideways and off the right side of the road. She struck a traffic sign then traveled over an embankment. Her vehicle went end-over-end and came to rest on its wheels in a yard.
Click here for that story.
Clearfield Man Severely Injured at Weekend Party
MADERA – State police in Clearfield are investigating an incident that left a Clearfield man severely injured.
According to police the incident occurred early Sunday morning at a party located in a remote wooded area off of First Street in Madera. Police stated that for unknown reasons a 20-year-old Clearfield man got into a vehicle and ran over a 24-year-old Clearfield man who was lying on the ground.
The older man was flown to Altoona Regional for treatment of severe injuries.
Police stated in their report that charges are pending in the case.
OCTOBER 2009
Fatal Accident Claims Three Lives
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP – A two-vehicle accident claimed three lives at 9:20 p.m. Saturday in Bradford Township, Clearfield County, the Clearfield-based State Police reported.
Police stated that Clearfield County Deputy Coroner Kim Snyder pronounced the first vehicle’s operator Thomas E. Kerin, Jr., 29 of Hawk Run; his right, front seat passenger Diana M. Kerin, 26 of Hawk Run; and John R. Reish, Jr., 68 of Clarion, dead at the scene. They stated that Reish was the left, rear seat passenger in the second vehicle.
According to the police report, Kerin was traveling east on United States Route 322 about 541 feet west of Rock Lane. Police stated that Janet Harding-Ruslavage, 79 of Clarion, was traveling west on the same.
Click here for that story.
Update: Bear Alive and Well
CLEARFIELD – A large bear was stranded in a tree in the East End of Clearfield Borough Thursday for roughly eight hours.
Officials received a report that a large bear was in a tree on Daisy Street near the Sons of Italy in East End around 7 a.m. At roughly 1 p.m. a ladder truck was brough in by the Clearfield Fire Department to assist game commission officials in traquilizing the bear. After it was tranquilized, it took some time for the animal to make its way down the large tree. When it did come come, it fell about 20 feet, landing with a loud thud. The bear was up and around behind a resident’s shed before the tranquilizers took effect.
Before the bear came down, Wildlife Conservation Officer Dave Carlini of Clearfield County warned those gathered that such a thing might happen.
“This isn’t going to kill him,” said Carlini. “He’ll be bumped and bruised.”
For that story click here.
Two Injured, One Airlifted in Clearfield Accident
CLEARFIELD – Two people were injured in an accident on Daisy Street in Lawrence Township on Thursday.
The Lawrence Township Police Department reported that a vehicle operated by a Clearfield woman struck a vehicle operated by a Clearfield man. The woman was transported to Clearfield Hospital by Clearfield Emergency Medical Services. The man was transported by EMS to the Clearfield-Lawrence Airport where he was flown by medical helicopter to Altoona Regional.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 765-1647 or by contacting Clearfield County Control at 765-1533.
NOVEMBER 2009
Election Results: Read Out as Controller, Gilliland Out as Mayor
CLEARFIELD – With 71 of 71 precincts counted, the results are in for the contested county races as well as the mayoral race for Clearfield Borough, and it appears that two shake-ups are in store after two of those races. These results do not include write-in votes, which will be tallied at a later date.
Controller: Challenger Tony Scotto defeated incumbent Claudia Read. Scotto received 7,927 (52.85 percent) votes, while Read received 7,063(47.09 percent) votes.
Mayor of Clearfield Borough: Challenger James Schell defeated incumbent Mayor Patty Gilliland. Schell received 838 (54.63 percent) votes, while Gilliland received 690 (44.98 percent) votes.
Sheriff: Incumbent Chester Hawkins received 11,258 (74 percent) votes, beating challenger James Ward, who received 3,944 (25.93) votes.
Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts: Incumbent William A. Shaw defeated challenger Arlene Multhauf. Shaw received 9,035 (59.67 percent) votes while Multhauf received 6,099 (40.28 percent) votes.
Jury Commissioner: Incumbent Linda Hatcher defeated challenger Ellen Harry. Hatcher received 9,102 (62.30 percent) votes while Harry received 5,502 (37.66 percent) votes.
All results are UNOFFICIAL until certified by the Clearfield County Board of Elections. These results do not reflect TOTAL WRITE-IN votes, which will be available at a later date.
PA Landowners Get Big Payments as Marcellus Shale Bidding Escalates
UNIVERSITY PARK – As legislators, environmentalists and others strive to balance the many interests involved in developing the natural gas deposits contained in the Marcellus shale formation, a fierce bidding war has doubled the prices being offered for leases in Pennsylvania. The resulting competition could be a boon for landowners, according to experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
The nation’s economic troubles may have slowed development of natural gas wells for the last year, but energy companies seem to be returning to the state and buying up drilling leases with a vengeance. Joann Kowalski, Penn State Extension economic development educator in Susquehanna County, said the proven performance of existing wells may have companies competing to lock up prime properties in the state’s Northern Tier.
“Word hit the street in September that Fortuna Energy was going to be paying the Friendsville Group $5,500 an acre for a five-year lease, with 20 percent royalties for producing wells,” Kowalski said. “That was probably about twice the rate that had been offered up to that point. Fortuna had not been buying leases in Susquehanna County before this — they were doing most of their work in Bradford County.”
Click here for that story.
Two Flown from Weekend Accident in Lawrence Township
CLEARFIELD – Two people were airlifted following a single vehicle accident over the weekend.
According to the Lawrence Township Police Department the accident occurred on the Glen Richey Highway near the intersection with state Route 153. A Clearfield man failed to round a curve. His vehicle went into a ditch and traveled about 300 feet before striking a cement culvert. After striking the culvert the vehicle overturned onto its roof.
The driver and a female passenger from Curwensville were flown from the scene to Altoona for treatment.
Police noted that the accident is under investigation.
DECEMBER 2009
Santa Tracker 2009 Online
NORTH POLE – It’s that time of year when NORAD launches their anticipated program that allows children to track that jolly old elf, Santa Claus.
Santa Tracker 2009 is online and can be found by clicking here.
Norad, and its predecessor the Continental Air Defense Command or CONAD, have tracked Santa on Christmas Eve for more than 50 years.
According to Norad’s Web site: “The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.
“In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created a bi-national air defense command for North America called the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD. NORAD inherited the tradition of tracking Santa.
Click here for that story.
UPDATE: More Information Provided on DuBois Fire That Claimed Two Lives
DUBOIS – An Early morning fire in DuBois left two dead and one firefighter injured.
At a press conference at DuBois City Hall, Police Chief Michael Dilullo said that emergency responders were dispatched to the fire at 7:06 a.m. The fire was at an apartment building at 5 S. Jared St. at the intersection with West Long Avenue.
He said that when emergency responders arrived they had to evacuate tenants who were trapped in the building. Six people were taken to DRMC-West for treatment of injuries and smoke inhalation. Dilullo said that other than the two victims, everyone in the building was accounted for.
He said that police and fire personnel did rescue a family that was on the fire escape when they arrived. Of the four or five people on the escape, two were children.
For that story click here.
Dixon, Neeper Face New Lawsuit Regarding Contested Incident
CLEARFIELD – Two Clearfield Borough Police Officers are the subject of another legal action.
According to court documents Brian Werman has filed a lawsuit against Brian Dixon and Greg Neeper.
According to a prior Gant story Werman was charged in relation to an alleged incident that occurred on Dec. 3, 2007 on Turnpike Avenue. Police alleged that Werman drew a skinning knife on them, resisted arrest and threatened them.
Charges were then filed against Neeper and Dixon and the charges against Werman were dropped. Dixon and Neeper had the charges against them dismissed following a preliminary hearing in March 2008.
Subsequently, Dixon and Neeper filed charges against Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. That case was dismissed in federal court in March 2009.
According to the 13-page complaint, Neeper and Dixon face a number of counts, including: state-created danger, excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, false arrest, defamation, invasion of privacy and another count of malicious prosecution; Dixon faces charges individually of assault and battery.
Click here for that story.