Sentenced for cultivating pot
Woman who grew 20 plants avoids jail term

Judge Richard Masson this week sentenced a Cameron County woman to an intermediate punishment program for growing 20 marijuana plants.

Kathryn M. Thompson, 23, grew the illicit weed on her Plank Road Hollow property. She was charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.

Masson ruled that Thompson was eligible for a two-yearlong substance abuse program for first-time offenders who are sentenced to state prison. To be eligible for that option, a defendant must be convicted of an offense that was motivated by the use of, or addiction to, alcohol or other drugs.

The judge took into account District Attorney Tommy Tompkins' recommendation that Thompson spend the first 90 days of her sentence under house arrest, since she is pregnant.

Thompson will have to pay a $500 fine, plus $675 in fees and costs.

Loius N. Woyton, 52, of Ford Cliff, will be spending two years in state prison for his third DUI offense within 10 years. Woyton, who had a blood alcohol content of .242 percent -- more than three times the legal limit -- when he was most recently arrested, must also complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School, pay a $2,500 fine and $294 in fees, plus a $30 monthly supervision fee once he is paroled.

Pamela A. Spenik, 45, of Penfield, faces three days to six months of jail time as a result of a DUI-related car crash that involved injury to another. The victim sent a letter asking the judge to punish Spenik severely because the injury has left the victim with permanent brain damage. Along with a $1,000 fine, Spenik will have to pay nearly $700 in other fees and restitution, serve 50 hours of community service, and complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School.

James L. Jackson, 33, of Emporium, pleaded guilty to DUI. He will be sentenced on Nov. 20.

Dave J. Ellenberger of Cameron County, was given a three-month term of probation after he pleaded guilty to charges of simple assault and harassment. Ellenberger was also ordered to refrain from contacting the victim.

Andy Buerk, 22, of Cameron County, will serve six months of ARD, perform 35 hours of community service and pay $655 in fines and other costs. He was accused of criminal mischief occurring at the Bucktail Rod and Gun Club in Shippen Township.

Candy L. Kraycar of Lock Haven must pay $745 in restitution and other costs for the theft and damage to appliances owned by her landlord, George Coppersmith. She will also spend six months in the ARD program.