CLEARFIELD – A 26-year-old Clearfield man who has been accused of a Nov. 11 assault and robbery at a Hyde residence had all charges bound over to court by Magisterial District Judge James L. Hawkins at Centralized Court Wednesday at the Clearfield County Jail.
Chad Allen Butler, 26 of CCJ, will face charges of robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, harassment and disorderly conduct. His bail is $50,000 monetary, according to court paperwork for the case.
During the hearing testimony, a Robinson Avenue resident said Butler came to his home in the early morning hours on the date in question. He said he invited the defendant inside, and the two later went into his bedroom.
While in the bedroom, the victim said Butler struck him along the left side of his face. He said Butler then ran out of the residence. Afterward, the victim testified his wallet, which had previously been located on his bed, was missing.
He said it contained $610 as well as personal credit cards and identification. He said he was certain of the monetary amount, as he planned to use $600 to pay off his car. He said the remaining $10 was gas money to go do so.
He said he contacted police about the incident at approximately 3:14 a.m. Nov. 11. He said he also attempted to locate Butler but was unable to do so. He said on the following day, he found his wallet in his driveway. He said the $610 was missing from it.
The victim said he grew up in Hyde and knew of Butler for sometime. He said he was expecting him to come over, as the defendant was picking up a movie to return to a mutual friend.
But under cross examination the victim said he wasn’t expecting the defendant. He said Butler “just showed up” at his residence on the night in question.
Defense Attorney Chris Pentz called the victim’s attention to the affidavit of probable cause. He said the documents read that he had contacted Butler at 2 a.m. about picking up a movie that was rented by a mutual friend.
“So, which is it,” Pentz said. Earle D. Lees, assistant district attorney, countered the victim likely expected someone.
Both Pentz and Hawkins said they had also heard contrasting statements.
The victim said he didn’t recall the exact statement he had previously given to the police department. He said he knew Butler was coming to his residence a few minutes prior.
He said he invited Butler inside his residence. He said he wanted to speak with and give him the movie.
“We have mutual friends. I know him. He knows my brother. I didn’t think it’d be a problem,” he said. He said the two were exchanging “gestures and hellos,” when Butler struck him.
He said he had just returned home approximately 30 minutes prior to the incident. He said anytime he comes in, he always empties any items from his pockets onto his bed. He said his wallet was located on the bed, when the two were sitting on it.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the he told police the wallet was next to him on the bed. He noted he observed Butler make eye contact with his wallet several times during their conversation.
The victim said only he and his mother were home at the time of the incident. He said he didn’t witness Butler take the wallet but noticed it was missing shortly after the defendant struck him and ran out.
He said he did not receive medical treatment, and his face didn’t bruise or bleed as a result.
Travis A. Goodman, of the Lawrence Township Police Department, said the victim’s testimony was an accurate representation of his statement to him.
Goodman testified that the victim initially was uncertain if he wanted to file charges against the defendant. He said he gave him a few days to think it over.
Goodman clarified that the victim related to him that he was expecting Butler on the night in question. He said he didn’t speak with Butler about the incident, however.
In closing, Pentz said robbery requires bodily injury to be inflicted on an individual. He said while the victim was struck in the face, he didn’t bleed or bruise as a result.
Pentz also reminded that the victim never observed the defendant take the wallet.
Lees said it was still robbery and should be considered so even with the slightest infliction.
He also said the victim and Butler were both on the bed, where the wallet was located at the time. He said the defendant leaves, and “it’s gone.”
“I think we have sufficient evidence,” Lees said.
