The trial of a Shenandoah man who police said broke into a borough woman's home in the course of stalking her highlights a light criminal court term, which is scheduled to start today in Schuylkill County Court.
Only four jury trials are scheduled for the two-week term, which is one of the least busy criminal court terms in recent years.
"It's probably close" to the fewest number of trials held during a term, Deputy Court Administrator Bruce Heffner said Friday.
While three of the trials are scheduled to start today, the fourth, that of Mark A. Tutko, 54, is slated to start at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday before Judge Jacqueline L. Russell.
Shenandoah police allege Tutko, who is charged with burglary, criminal trespass, stalking, loitering and prowling at nighttime and harassment, broke into the 254 Girard Ave. home of Barbara Bisco on Sept. 23, 2011.
Tutko removed an air conditioner to enter the house and, once inside, began to caress Bisco's leg while the woman slept, police said. Bisco pushed him out of the house and called 911, according to police.
District Attorney Karen Noon, in her first criminal court term in that office since replacing James P. Goodman, who is now a judge, is prosecuting Tutko while Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins is defending him.
Heffner said he does not want to make too much of the low number of jury trials scheduled for this term.
"I don't know if there's any real reason," he said.
Heffner said the number of trials can vary greatly.
"Sometimes, it goes in cycles," he said. "I'm reluctant to say it's a trend." Mark A. Tutko
Age: 54
Residence: Shenandoah Charges: Burglary, criminal trespass, stalking, loitering and prowling at nighttime and harassment