District court, Feb. 28, 2021

Frank Andruscavage, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 28—Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A 43-year-old Hazleton man charged with a burglary in McAdoo in December had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Brian Lee Durant, of 529 Penn Court, was arrested by state police Trooper Peter Conforti of the Frackville station and charged with two felony counts each of burglary and receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor count of loitering and prowling at night.

Bayer determined the commonwealth presented evidence to substantiate the charges and ordered all five held for Schuylkill County Court, where Durant can plead guilty or enter a not guilty and request a trial.

Conforti charged Durant with illegally entering a property at 410-412 S. Kennedy Drive and taking multiple items including trading cards, BB guns and two .22-caliber rifles.

In addition, about $120 in cash was stolen from a safe in the basement of the property.

A second man charged with the crime, Durant's cousin, Robert H. Card, 57, of 301 W. Spruce St., Tamaqua, waived his right to a hearing on charges of burglary, receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling at night, criminal mischief and possessing instruments of crime.

Other court cases included:

Brett T. Sell, 21, of 16 Ridge St., Tamaqua; waived for court: theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, fleeing or attempting to elude police, DUI-controlled substance, driving an unregistered vehicle, duties at a stop sign, turning movements and required signals, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, operation on streets and highways, driving on private property, driving without a license and unlawful operation of a snowmobile or ATV while under the influence.

Michael Atkinson, 30, of 139 E. Ruddle St., Coaldale; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert W. Snyder Jr., 29, of 73 W. Miner St., Coaldale; waived for court: accidents involving death or injury while not properly licensed, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and careless driving.

Tyler R. Atherton, 26, of 10 Kinsloe Ave., Box 106, Newtown Hamilton; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance and careless driving.

Jonah P. Fritz, 25, of Box 456, 101 Broad St., Beaver Meadows; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI, DUI-high rate, DUI-controlled substance, disregard for single traffic lane, no rear lights and turning movements and required signals.

Linda McHugh, 56, of 26 Grove St., McAdoo; held for court: disorderly conduct and harassment.

(Staff writer Frank Andruscavage compiled this report)

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