CHARGES DROPPED IN FAKE BOMB INCIDENT

Charges brought against a retired employee of Potter County Human Services for allegedly planting a fake bomb at that agency's headquarters in Roulette were dismissed following a preliminary hearing on Monday.

District Judge Barbara Easton of Shinglehouse ruled that there was insufficient evidence to send the case against defendant Jim Boothby to trial.

Boothby, 55, had been charged with felony counts of risking a catastrophe and making terroristic threats after a device resembling a pipe bomb was found in his former office on Sept. 5. The Human Services building was evacuated, as were surrounding residences, and bomb squads from Erie and Harrisburg were called in.

Boothby said he made the simulated bomb as part of his duties on the Safety Committee about four years ago, when it was used in a drill. At Monday's hearing, Human Services Executive Director Jim Kockler said the defendant's explanation was plausible and speculated that the prop may have been in Boothby's office for several years without being noticed by employees until Sept. 5.

Boothby was represented at Monday's hearing by attorney Walter Stenhach. Prosecutor was Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink.