Stephen J. Bayer
TAMAQUA - A Lansford man charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl between June 26 and 28 at the Phillips Street Skate Park in Coaldale waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.
Brad M. Stevens, 24, of 342 W. Snyder Ave., was arrested by state police Trooper Melissa Kyper of the Frackville station and charged with one felony count each of statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors.
By waiving his right to a hearing, Stevens will now have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.
Kyper said the teen reported meeting Stevens while researching tattoos online and that he met her parents, obtained permission to tattoo her and knew she was 15 years old. The girl said she and Stevens were in the park and agreed to have consensual intercourse that led to her getting pregnant and naming him as the father, Kyper said.
When interviewed, Kyper said Stevens admitted having consensual intercourse with the teen and admitted that he was aware if her age at the time.
Other court cases included:
Leah M. Rehal, 21, of 134 Samuels Ave., Hazleton - withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving.
Joseph McGinley, 40, of 6 Walnut St., Middleport - waived for court: fraudulent, altered, forged or counterfeit title, registration or insurance, DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, driving without a license, displaying a plate card on an improper vehicle and driving an unregistered vehicle.
Alexandre Vasquez, 26, of 20 4t St., Box 314, Kelayres - waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, selling a controlled substance with known trademark, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and exceeding the speed limit.
Dennis Basuljevic, 25, of 3 Coventry Road, Drums - withdrawn: DUI-controlled substance. Waived for court: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Thomas J. Karpovich, 62, of 133 Roosevelt Drive, Morea - waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, failure to keep right and careless driving.
Gregory B. Ristila, 37, of 120 Patterson St., Tamaqua - held for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, careless driving and improper child restraint systems.
Samantha Ference, 19, of 34 N. Hancock St., McAdoo - withdrawn: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Patricia Merola, 26, of 621 Pardeesville Road, Hazle Township - dismissed: endangering the welfare of children. Held for court: conspiracy, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
Jeremy E. Plasko, 36, of 409 W. Broad St., Apt. 8, Tamaqua - held for court: retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Colin T. Houser, 27, of 409 W. Broad St., Apt. 8, Tamaqua - waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Anil K. Agarwal, 62, of 419 The Esplanade, Maywood, N.J. - held for court: criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and false, fraudulent or incomplete insurance claim.
Kenneth R. Shankweiler, 52, of 9 State Road, Barnesville - waived for court: DUI, no rear lights and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.
Neil A. Hoffman, 39, of 220 High St., Tamaqua - waived for court: DUI and DUI-highest rate.
Monica M. Brown, 24, of 14 W. Broad St., Apt. 2, Tamaqua - waived for court: criminal attempt to commit theft.
Cara C. Shubeck, 19, of 35 E. White St., Summit Hill - dismissed: simple assault and harassment.
Nicholas Cusatis, 29, of 627 Tomhicken Road, Box 521, Sugarloaf - dismissed: accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, failure to stop and give information or render aid, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance and careless driving.
Susan L. Moyer, 42, of 345 Willing St., Tamaqua - dismissed: simple assault and harassment.
Ricardo Colon, 43, of 5 W. Phillips St., Coaldale - dismissed: simple assault and harassment.