A Pottsville man was acquitted Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court of a charge that he was disorderly in August on the street in front of his home.
John J. Liptok, 47, is not guilty of disorderly conduct, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled after a 30-minute hearing.
Pottsville police had charged Liptok with causing a disturbance shortly before midnight Aug. 8 in the 1800 block of West Norwegian Street in the city.
"Words were exchanged, which led to ... a physical altercation," city police Patrolman Michael P. Stank testified.
Stank testified Liptok and his nephew, Patrick Margie, were "standing toe to toe screaming at each other" in the residential neighborhood when he arrived. He also said he saw no injuries on either Liptok or Margie.
Liptok testified that Margie, who did not testify and was not even present for Tuesday's hearing, was the instigator of the disturbance and that he acted solely to protect his truck.
Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley had found Liptok guilty on Sept. 20, but the defendant appealed that ruling on Sept. 25.
In other recent county court action, President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to plea agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:
Heather M. Bernitsky, 33, of Minersville; bad checks; 12 months probation, $471 restitution and 10 hours community service.
Brandon Fritz, 26, of Tamaqua; driving under the influence, speeding, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property, failure to stop and give information or render aid and careless driving; 48 hours to six months in prison, 12 months probation, $609 in fines and $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of driving unregistered vehicle.
Wayne F. Haller, 48, of Orwigsburg; DUI, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and careless driving; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,325 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of resisting arrest, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property and damaging real property by operating motor vehicle.
Suzanne C. Hibbler, 41, of Pottsville; DUI; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,000 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of careless driving.
James R. Hines, 22, of Schuylkill Haven; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; one to 23 months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $350 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, $30 restitution to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Dec. 14.
Edward J. Hunt III, 33, of Lavelle; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.
Derek M. Johnson, 27, of Pottsville; two counts of simple assault and one each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of harassment and one of recklessly endangering another person.
Michael T. Kane, 27, of Pottsville; corruption of minors, criminal trespass and theft; 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution, $7,055.95 restitution and no contact with the victim. Prosecutors withdrew charges of statutory sexual assault, burglary, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
Roy R. Kesten Sr., 49, of Pottsville; defiant trespass; $150 fine.
Lisa A. Ketchledge, 49, of Delano; conspiracy and driving without a license; 23 months probation, $200 fine, 20 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.
Trustin Macalush, 23, of Lansford; six counts of bad checks; 23 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $4,324.65 restitution.
Carl W. Martin Jr., 45, of Pottsville; attempted possession of a controlled substance; three years probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of attempted purchase or receipt of a controlled substance.
Ashley N. Renninger, 27, of Cressona; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 bench warrant fee.
Melissa Jo Ritzman, 29, of Coal Township; retail theft, access device fraud, receiving stolen property, simple assault, flight to avoid apprehension, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft and theft of lost property; sentencing deferred pending preparation of a presentence investigation.
Brenda L. Shappell, 33, of Pottsville; hindering apprehension; one to 12 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and 20 hours community service.
Michael P. Twigg Jr., 25, of Pottsville; stalking and harassment; 12 months probation. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of defiant trespass.
All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.