SEVERAL SENTENCED TO PROBATION

Several Cameron County residents were put on probation during court proceedings in front of President Judge Rich Masson earlier this week.

Chad E. Grovanz of Emporium plead guilty to simple assault for his part in an incident that occurred over the summer when he allegedly struck Bill Olivett, also of Emporium, in the face.

According to testimony, Grovanz believed that Olivett had come dangerously close to hitting him with his vehicle. A verbal altercation ensued and Grovanz hit him in the side of the face through the car window. Sentencing will take place next month.

Judge Masson said that Grovanz's actions were alarming.

"I'm concerned with the protection of the community here," said Masson. "It's my understanding that (Grovanz) had no prior knowledge of the victim and no apparent reason to react that way."

In light of that, Masson ordered that a pre-investigation report including a forensic assessment be conducted before sentencing.

Michelle L. Tressler plead guilty to defrauding the Pa. Department of Public Welfare to gain an additional $2,854 in foodstamps.

Tressler, who's husband is a truck driver, had reported to the commonwealth that her husband did not live with her. Authorities determined that her husband did indeed live there. Tressler was sentenced with 36 months of probation, prosecution costs and must pay $2,854 in restitution to the commonwealth.

Shawna B. Coffman, 26, of Emporium plead and was sentenced for simple assault and possession of a small amount of marijuana. She was given 12 months probation and must pay over $600 in fines and fees.

During an unusual court proceeding, Masson accepted the guilty plea of 80-year-old Glenn R. Lyon for cutting down a veneer Oak tree on the property of George Brown on Aug. 11. At the time of the incident, the market value for that one tree was estimated around $1,000.

Though it became obvious to all in attendance Tuesday that Lyon suffers from a severe hearing disability, he admitted that he knew what he was doing and that Brown had previously communicated to him that he was not to trespass on his property.

Lyon is likely to be sentenced to state prison time. A sentencing date was not set.

Judge Masson accepted the guilty pleas of Timothy A. "Spunk" Summers for multiple offenses that occurred between April 27, 2006 and Jan. 7, 2007 involving theft, assault and distribution of controlled substances. Sentencing will take place next month.

Jury selection will take place on March 25 at 9 am for the trial of Diana R. Reed. Charges filed against Reed include possession of a controlled substance, possession of another person's prescription medication, aggravated assault and terroristic threats.

Next month's return day will be held on March 18 in the main courtroom of the Cameron County Courthouse.