Regional news briefs

Brockway teen killed

BROCKWAY - A 17-yearold Brockway teen was killed in car accident last Thursday morning, apparently on his way to school. State police from DuBois identified the victim as Matthew R. Nichols of Clay Plant Road.

Nichols was driving a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix south on Clay Plant Road in Snyder Township, one-tenth of a mile north of Brockway, at 7:55 a.m. when he lost control on a curve. The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a utility pole and rolled onto its roof. Police said the victim, a senior at Brockway area High School, was wearing a seat belt.

Glessner retires

RIDGWAY - Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission Deputy Director Howard Glessner is retiring after more than 31 years of service.

His resignation was announced at a recent executive board meeting in Ridgway. In other business, directors held a private meeting and returned to approve a threepercent salary increase for Northcentral employees.

Woman bilks mother

SMETHPORT - A McKean County woman pleaded guilty to scheming her elderly mother out of thousands of dollars. Grace T. Damon of Bradford was sentenced last week to spend between one and three years in a state prison.

Judge John Yoder termed her actions a "betrayal of a position of trust and a betrayal of family."

Damon was charged with identity theft, forgery, theft by deception and misapplication of entrusted property.

She was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service; to pay $11,000 for the forensic accounting fees incurred in the case; and to pay restitution of $20,000 to her mother, Maria Telese, restitution of $1,500 to her daughter, and $842 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.

Damon had power of attorney for her mother and changed ownership of her mother's assets for her own benefit. She also forged her mother's name, along with her ex-husband's name, on documents. Prosecutors alleged that she stole about $130,000.

Homicide charges

KANE -- A Mount Jewett man is facing homicide charges stemming from a fatal crash in McKean County in June.

State police brought the charges against 23-year-old Jason M. Roth, 23, who was arraigned Monday before District Judge Michael J. Kennedy. He is charged with a felony, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, and related counts.

Roth was at the wheel of a car that crashed shortly after midnight June 9 on Rt. 219, north of Route 6 in Hamlin Township. The crash claimed the life of Ian McCloskey, 24, also of Mount Jewett. Roth will appear for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 31.