Established 1872 1872 Established (Cite (Cite Vol. Vol. 102 104 Luz. Luz. Reg. Reg.Reports) Reports) VOL. 104 102 Wilkes-Barre, 17, 2014 2012 VOL. Wilkes-Barre,PA, PA,Friday, Friday,February October 24, NO.43 7 NO. COMMONWEALTH v.WASSIL. GUZMAN .................................................. 1 COMMONWEALTH v. ................................................... 144 POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: Send Send address address changes changesto toTHE THELUZERNE LUZERNELEGAL LEGALREGISTER, REGISTER, Room Room 23, 23, Court Court House, House,Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre,PA PA18711-1001 18711-1001 Periodical postage paid at Wilkes-Barre, PA and additional office. Periodical postage paid at Wilkes-Barre, PA and additional office. Price Single Copies Price $40. $40. Per Per Year Year Single Copies$1.00 $1.00 Advertising Advertising Must Must Be Be Received Received By By 12 12 O’Clock O’ClockNoon, Noon,Tuesday TuesdayIn InThe TheWeek WeekofofPublication Publication (USPS 322-840) (USPS 322-840) PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association Joseph P. J. Burke III, Esquire Editor-in-Chief and Reporter of Decisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County Kristin R. Breazeale Business Editor Commercial Advertising and Legal Notices Gail Kopiak Bar News Editor Tel. 570-822-6712 Fax 570-822-8210 WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.LuzerneLegalRegister.com and www.wblawlibrary.org All legal notices must be submitted in typewritten form and are published exactly as submitted by the advertiser. Neither The Luzerne Legal Register nor the printer (Clare Printing) will assume any responsibility to edit, make spelling corrections, eliminate errors in grammar, or make changes to content. Judge Robert A. Freedberg (Ret.) • Former Judge, Pennsylvania Superior Court & Court of Common Pleas n Elected to the Court of Common Pleas, Northampton County – 1979 n Retained – 1989 and 1999 n President Judge – 1991-2008 n Superior Court Judge – 2008 n Retired from Superior Court – 2012 • Presided at hundreds of jury and non-jury cases during his 28 years tenure • Tried complex civil matters including medical malpractice, products liability and business-related cases • Authored 50 published Opinions for the Superior Court and heard cases from all parts of the Commonwealth Two ways to submit your case: Call: (800) 364-6098 (215) 564-1775 Visit our website: adroptions.com 2001 Market Street, Suite 1100 Two Commerce Square Philadelphia, PA 19103-7044 • Presented at various educational programs for judges and the bar • Appointed by the Supreme Court to the Judicial Council of Pennsylvania • Honorary Doctor of Laws degree – Lafayette College, 2002 Graduated from Lafayette College with honors – 1966 Received Juris Doctor – Columbia University School of Law, 1969 3 ATTORNEY Busy Wilkes-Barre family law practice has immediate opening for an Associate. Experience preferred but not required. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Please send resume to: Arthur F. Silverblatt, Esquire, Silverblatt & Associates, 15 Public Square, Suite 506, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Oct. 24, 31 ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY / ETHICS MATTERS Representation, consultation and expert testimony in disciplinary matters and matters involving ethical issues, bar admissions and the Rules of Professional Conduct James C. Schwartzman, Esq. Member of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board • Former Chairman, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA • Former Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Board of the Supreme Court of PA • Former Chairman, Supreme Court of PA Interest on Lawyers Trust Account Board • Former Federal Prosecutor • Selected by his peers as one of the top 100 Super Lawyers in PA • Named by his peers as Best Lawyers in America 2015 Philadelphia Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law “Lawyer of the Year,” and in Plaintiffs and Defendants Legal Malpractice Law 1460 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA 18704 (570) 343-1827 4 ACCOUNTS AND AUDITS AUDIT SCHEDULE—2015 Accounts Filed by: Will Be Audited on: December 26, 2014................................. February 3, 2015 January 30, 2015...........................................March 3, 2015 February 27, 2015.......................................... April 7, 2015 March 27, 2015................................................ May 5, 2015 April 24, 2015..................................................June 2, 2015 May 29, 2015.................................................... July 7, 2015 June 26, 2015............................................... August 4, 2015 July 24, 2015......................................... September 1, 2015 August 28, 2015......................................... October 6, 2015 September 25, 2015.............................. November 3, 2015 October 30, 2015...................................December 1, 2015 November 27, 2015.................................... January 5, 2016 Audits will occur on the dates listed above at 9:30 A.M. in the Orphans’ Court, “Courtroom C”, Third Floor, Penn Place Annex, 20 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. It is strongly recommended that all attorneys having a matter on an Audit List of the Orphans’ Court be present at the call of the Audit List. Any attorney seeking to be excused from attending the call of the Audit List must contact the staff in Judge Hughes’ Chambers in advance of the call date in order to obtain permission from the Judge to be absent. Oct. 24, 31; Nov. 7 5 Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association (#53) and Wilkes University Will Conduct a Continuing Legal Education Program. The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association is an Accredited Continuing Legal Education Provider. Thursday, November 6, 2014 6 1/2 Hours Substantive CLE Credit at the Woodlands Inn & Resort Wilkes-Barre, PA “2014 State Tax Seminar” AGENDA 7:45 a.m.—8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.—4:15 p.m. Registration Program Program Description The Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association is partnering with Wilkes University to provide this CLE program to be held at the Woodlands Inn & Resort. It features a presentation by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue of various knowledgeable presenters on State Tax issues. For lawyers staying for the full program day (from 8:00 a.m.— 4:15 p.m.) of the presentation, six and a half (6 1/2) hours of substantive continuing legal education credits will be awarded for this program. 6 Please note that Wilkes University and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue selected the date and location for this CLE. The date is November 6th (the same date as the W-BLLA Bench Bar Conference), the location is the Woodlands Inn & Resort. Course Course Outline: Outline: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM INTRODUCTION AND PERSONAL INCOME TAX UPDATES • Tax Law Changes Effective in 2014 • PA Forms Changes • Miscellaneous Issues 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM BREAK 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM • • • • PASS THROUGH BUSINESS UPDATES Federal/Pennsylvania Differences Common Errors Legislation Updates Court Cases – Update CORPORATION TAXES UPDATES • Prior Legislative Changes • ITS & Completing Reports • Report Review Timeframes • LLCs: Questions & Answers • Termination/Dissolution of Business • Inactive Reports LUNCH 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM REVENUE MODERNIZATION PROJECT INTEGRATED TAX SYSTEM CONVERSION UPDATE • ITS Background • Corporation Taxes – Implementation Review • Trust Fund Taxes - Implementation Status • Guidance for Practitioners • e-TIDES, TeleFile and Credit/Debit Card Program Updates • • • • 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 3:15 PM 4:15 PM Jane McCurdy, CPA or Linda Paterson, CPA Pass Through Business Office Joseph Clover, Jeffrey A. Creveling, Greg Skotnicki, Valerie Greene or Glenwood Hoskin Bureau of Corporation Taxes 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM David A. Braden, CPA Bureau of Individual Taxes UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION Controlling UC Costs Avoiding UC Delinquency Rates Understanding UC Benefit Charge Notifications Classifying Workers Properly Donald Sheridan or Thomas L. Van Kirk Integrated Tax System Business Operations Office Anna Brennan, Patrick Bucci, or Gabriele Roman Department of Labor and Industry BREAK BUSINESS USE TAX AND VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE INITIATIVES • Voluntary Compliance Initiatives including Business Use Tax • Discovery Programs Update including Remote Seller • Other Compliance Programs and Enforcement Tools James Foster, Kevin Milligan, or William Hartman, CPA, Enforcement Planning, Analysis, and Discovery • In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department will make every effort to provide an alternative format to persons with disabilities about the content of the seminars. 7 Registration Information Date: Thursday, November 6, 2014 Location: Woodlands Inn & Resort Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 Registration Fee: $145.00 per Person (includes lunch & CLE registration reporting) How to Register: Visit www.wilkes.edu/continuedlearning or call Wilkes University at (570) 408-5615 or fax (570) 408-7912. Also call Wilkes if you have any questions, or need further information. Registration Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2014 Space Is Limited. Registration Is First Registered/First Paid Basis. No Refunds Provided. _____________________________________________________ REGISTRATION STATE TAX SEMINAR CLE PROGRAM November 3, 2014 6 1/2 Substantive CLE Credit Hours Woodlands Inn & Resort—Wilkes-Barre, PA LAWYERS MUST REGISTER BY CONTACTING WILKES UNIVERSITY. _______________________________________________ Registration Fee Is Payable to: Wilkes University To register: visit www.wilkes.edu/continuedlearning or call Wilkes University at (570) 408-5615. DEADLINE: November 3, 2014 Oct. 24, 31 8 NOTICE PAUL R. MAHLER, ESQUIRE, ERIC N. MAHLER, ESQUIRE AND MAUREEN K. COLLINS, ESQUIRE are pleased to announce the relocation of the office of MAHLER LAW FIRM, LLC to 1043 Wyoming Avenue, 1st Floor, Forty Fort, PA 18704. Attorneys and Staff can be reached at (570) 718-1118 and facsimile (570) 718-1119 effective October 24, 2014. Oct. 24, 31; Nov. 7 —————— FOR SALE! Office furniture, Hon filing cabinets, chairs, equipment and office supplies. If interested, please call Sherry at (570) 823-9006. Oct. 24, 31 ADR MEDIATION & ARBITRATION SERVICES RICHARD G. FINE, ESQUIRE • • • • Court-AppointedCertifiedMediatorsince1994 forMiddleDistrictofPA 45+yearsexperiencerepresentingindividuals andcorporateentitiesincomplexlitigationin StateandFederalCourts 25yearsexperienceasMediator&Arbitrator, successfullyresolvinghundredsofcases Fair,PreparedandReadyToResolveYourCase FINE & WYATT, P.C. (570)343-1197 [email protected] 9 MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM The Luzerne County Mortgage Foreclosure Diversionary Program mediations will be held on the Third Floor of the Luzerne County Courthouse, 200 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The 2015 schedule is as follows: Friday, January 23, 2015 Friday, February 20, 2015 Friday, March 20, 2015 Friday, April 17, 2015 Friday, May 22, 2015 Friday, June 19, 2015 Friday, July 17, 2015 Friday, August 21, 2015 Friday, September 18, 2015 Friday, October 16, 2015 Friday, November 20, 2015 Friday, December 18, 2015 Sept. 26—Jan. 2 10 Next Meeting of the YLD The next meeting of the YLD will be held on Wednesday, November 12th at the Arena Bar & Grill beginning at 6:00 p.m. Dinner With the Judges YLD members are welcome to join us for our annual “Dinner With the Judges” on Wednesday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. at Pazzo Restaurant, located on Highway 315 in Pittston. This year, we have invited the Federal Judges from both the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton locations of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District. This event is free to members of the YLD. Seats are limited to the first twenty (20) YLD members to RSVP. Please RSVP to Maureen Collins at Maureen.Collins@mahlerlawyers. com. Wills for Heroes Young lawyers are encouraged to take part in this important volunteer event which will take place on a Saturday in October or November at Luzerne County Community College. Volunteers will prepare wills for first responders. No relevant experience necessary! More details to follow. Annual Brewery Tour The YLD will charter a bus trip to the Finger Lakes, New York (Lake Seneca) for its annual brewery tour on Saturday, November 22nd. This year, we will visit breweries, wineries and a micro-distillery. The price per person will be between $25.00 and $30.00. Seats are limited, so be sure to RSVP to Maureen Collins at Maureen.Collins@ mahlerlawyers.com. 11 YLD Holiday Party The annual YLD holiday party will be held on Thursday, December 11th at the Westmoreland Club in WilkesBarre. This year RSVPs will be mandatory so that we can properly plan for the number of attendees. As in previous years, YLD members and other invitees are encouraged to make or arrange for prize baskets which will be raffled off at the holiday party. The ticket proceeds for the basket raffle go to the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association Charitable Foundation. Law & Library Association Committees Young lawyers are encouraged to join one or more of the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association committees found here: http://www.luzernecountybar.org/committees. html. YLD members may also start their own committees by contacting Joe Burke or Gail Kopiak at Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association at (570) 822-6712. Discounted Philharmonic Tickets Reminder: The NEPA Philharmonic has generously offered a 15% discounted ticket rate for Young Lawyers. Please contact ticket sales to take advantage of this offer. Social Media The YLD is in the process of increasing its presence on social media. We encourage all YLD members to join our Facebook group, the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1480856755479575/ ?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular. Oct. 24 12 The Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association Is Proud to Present This Year’s President’s Award to LARRY S. KEISER, ESQ. Congratulations, Larry! The W-BLLA Officers and Executive Committee Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31 13 ADR Mediation & Arbitration Thomas B. Helbig, Esq. ● ● ● ● ● Mediation Master for Lackawanna County Mediation Program - mediated over 200 cases the last 3 years Certified Federal Court Mediator MD of PA Court-appointed Trial Master and Interim Discovery Master Conducted over 500 PI, UM/UIM, bad faith, and contract Mediations and Arbitrations in the last 5 years 33 years experience representing Plaintiffs and Defendants in State and Federal Courts Experience | Fairness | Results Mediation & Arbitration 30 5 L i nd e n S t r e e t , S c r ant o n, PA 18503 Phone 570.558.1430 | Fax 570.558.1432 | [email protected] 14 NOTICE TO THE BAR Counsel are reminded of their duty to maintain the dignity and decorum of the courtroom and legal process pursuant to the Code of Civility. Proper dress is expected at all times when appearing in Court, including Motions practice. In addition, lawyers should advise clients and witnesses of the proper dress and conduct when appearing in Court. Your cooperation in maintaining the dignity of the judiciary and legal profession is greatly appreciated. BY THE COURT Aug. 15—Dec. 26 15 To All Members: About the 2015 LAW DAY DINNER As this year’s Law Day Dinner was such a huge success— the Law Day Dinner WILL BE HELD at the WOODLANDS again next year in 2015. The Woodlands, however, does not have a Saturday date open. As such, the 2015 dinner will be held on a Friday evening. THE DATE FOR THE 2015 LAW DAY DINNER IS ******* FRIDAY—APRIL 17th—2015 ******* The time is the same: 6:30 p.m. for Cocktails and 7:30 p.m. for the Dinner. If you have never attended the Law Day Dinner, 2015 is the time to attend. For the customary usually low subsidized price, the W-BLLA will offer a top shelf cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception and a first class dinner (normally surf and turf ). In addition, for the 2015 Law Day Dinner, the Woodlands will provide complimentary rooms to any members who attend the dinner and request the same—so the party need not end early. You can stay to the very end and enjoy your evening, worry free. SO ATTEND—RELAX! ENJOY! HAVE A GREAT TIME! Also, to make our Law Day Dinner and your overnight stay at the Woodlands even more enjoyable, the Woodlands will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the Mohegan Casino—so your night does not have to end early. Finally, the Woodlands will provide a Saturday morning complimentary brunch. DON’T MISS OUT. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW AND PLAN TO ATTEND! —SAVE THE DATE— More details will be published in the Register as we get closer to the event. Aug. 15—Dec. 26 16 WILKES-BARRE LAW AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Bench Bar Conference and Seminar 3 Hours Substantive—1 Hour Ethics Thursday, November 6, 2014 Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs 11:00 A.M.—11:30 A.M. 11:30 A.M.—12:15 P.M. 12:15 P.M.—1:15 P.M. 1:15 P.M.—2:15 P.M. REGISTRATION (Convention Corridor) Vendor Review Time (Salon CDEF). LUNCH (Salon CDEF— Double-Sided Buffet). INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAM: Jamie Anzalone, Esquire, Chairperson, Bench Bar Committee. PLENARY SESSION: Hon. Matthew A. Cartwright, United States House of Representatives. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS: (I). CIVIL LITIGATION—(Salon A). Chairperson: Jamie Anzalone, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Stars of the Bar Tell Their War Stories—William F. Anzalone, Esquire, John J. Aponick, Jr., Esquire, Patrick E. Dougherty, Esquire, and Thomas J. Foley, Jr., Esquire. 17 (II). CRIMINAL LITIGATION—(Salon B). Chairpersons: Frank W. Nocito, Esquire and Michael I. Butera, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Recent Case Law and Statutory Changes—James L. McMonagle, Jr., Esquire, Assistant District Attorney of Luzerne County and Timothy M. Doherty, Esquire, Assistant Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. D.U.I. Update and Sentencing Alternatives—Ferris P. Webby, Esquire and Timothy M. Doherty, Esquire, Assistant Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (III). BANKRUPTCY—(Anthracite Meeting Room). Chairperson: David E. Schwager, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Bankruptcy Ethics Issues—Honorable John J. Thomas and the Honorable Robert N. Opel, II of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and David E. Schwager, Esquire (Moderator). (IV). DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND CUSTODY— (Hemlock Meeting Room). Chairperson: Ruth Slamon Borland, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Family Court Updates—Honorable Jennifer L. Rogers, Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County, Sharon R. Bitzel, Esquire, A. Lisa Pierotti, Esquire, and Ruth Slamon Borland, Esquire (Moderator). 18 (V). ELDER LAW, ESTATE PLANNING, SETTLEMENT ADMINISTRATION—(Susquehanna Meeting Room). Chairperson: Brenda D. Colbert, Esquire, LL.M., CELA. Presenters and Topic Include the Following: Pennsylvania New Power of Attorney Act—Updating Your Forms—Kevin R. Grebas, Esquire, CELA and David R. Lipka, Esquire, CELA. 2:15 P.M.—2:30 P.M. BREAK/VENDOR REVIEW TIME. (Refreshments/Convention Corridor) 2:30 P.M.—3:30 P.M. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS CONTINUE. (I). CIVIL LITIGATION—(Salon A). Chairperson: Jamie Anzalone, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Thinking Outside the Box in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases— Neil T. O’Donnell, Esquire. A View From the Civil Bench—Honorable Michael T. Vough and the Honorable Lesa S. Gelb, Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County. (II). CRIMINAL LITIGATION—(Salon B). Chairpersons: Frank W. Nocito, Esquire and Michael I. Butera, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: A Panel Discussion—Honorable Tina Polachek Gartley, the Honorable David W. Lupas, the Honorable Fred A. Pierantoni, III, the Honorable Joseph F. Sklarosky, Jr. of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County, Stefanie J. Salavantis, Esquire, District Attorney of Luzerne County, Steven M. Greenwald, Esquire, Chief Public Defender of Luzerne County, and Timothy M. Doherty, Esquire, As- sistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 19 (III). REAL ESTATE—(Anthracite Meeting Room). Chairperson: David E. Schwager, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: The Mysteries of Lien Priority Law and Lien Divestiture Revealed—Richard Brent Somach, Esquire, and David E. Schwager, Esquire. (IV). DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND CUSTODY— (Hemlock Meeting Room). Chairperson: Ruth S. Borland, Esquire. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Family Court Updates—Honorable Jennifer L. Rogers, Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County, Sharon R. Bitzel, Esquire, A. Lisa Pierotti, Esquire, and Ruth Slamon Borland, Esquire (Moderator). (V). ELDER LAW, ESTATE PLANNING, SETTLEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION—(Susquehanna Meeting Room). Chairperson: Brenda D. Colbert, Esquire, LL.M., CELA. Presenters and Topics Include the Following: Guardianship and Orphans’ Court Rules Update—Honorable Richard M. Hughes, III. Special Needs Planning—Brenda D. Colbert, Esquire, LL.M., CELA. 3:30 P.M.—4:00 P.M. GENERAL SESSION— (Salon CDEF). Elaine Cook, Esquire, President, Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association, Presentation of the 2014 President’s Award to LARRY S. KEISER, ESQUIRE Larry S. Keiser, Esquire— Acceptance Remarks. 20 4:00 P.M.—5:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M.—5:15 P.M. Hon. Thomas F. Burke, Jr., President Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County— A View From the Bench. KEYNOTE ADDRESS— (Salon CDEF). Matt Casey, Esquire Founding Partner, Ross Feller Casey. CLOSING REMARKS: Jamie Anzalone, Esquire, Chairperson, Bench Bar Conference. A PHOTOGRAPH OF BENCH BAR COMMITTEE CHAIRS, WORKSHOP CHAIRS, AND PARTICIPANTS. 5:15 P.M.—6:15 P.M. Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres (Convention Corridor). PROGRAM DESCRIPTION In response to the invitation of the members of the Bench/Bar Committee of the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association, leading practitioners in the above noted practice areas have agreed to conduct workshops outlining recent developments in the indicated practice areas. PROGRAM INFORMATION Program Date: Location: Lunch: Registration Fee: Deadline: Thursday, November 6, 2014. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Buffet starts at 11:30 a.m. Regular Price is $90.00. W-BLLA MEMBERS: $50.00. W-BLLA YOUNG LAWYERS: $40.00. (Price includes CLE registration, lunch, refreshments, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.) Payable to “Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association.” Monday, November 3, 2014. REGISTRATION IS FIRST REGISTERED/ FIRST PAID BASIS. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED. 21 Where to Send: WILKES-BARRE LAW & LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Room 23, 200 North River Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-1001 ---------------------------------------------------------------------REGISTRATION FORM Bench/Bar Conference and Seminar November 6, 2014 Return Registration Form and Check to: Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association 200 North River Street, Room 23 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-1001 Registration Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2014 NAME____________________________________________ ATTORNEY I.D. # ___________ PHONE # ______________ FIRM ______________________________________________ FIRM ADDRESS____________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Registration Fee: Regular Price: $90.00 W-BLLA Members: $50.00 W-BLLA Young Lawyer Members: $40.00 Make check payable to Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association. Oct. 3—31 22 Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association 2014 Event Dates Saturday April 12, 2014 Law Day Dinner Monday April 28, 2014 Quarterly Meeting Saturday May 3, 2014 Law Day Shabbat Friday July 11, 2014 Summer Outing Monday October 6, 2014 Red Mass Monday October 20, 2014 Quarterly Meeting Thursday November 6, 2014 Bench Bar Conference Thursday December 11, 2014 Atty. Admissions Please Mark These Dates on Your Calendar! 23 144 DOMBROSKI v. COMMUNITY HEALTH M.D.; and Russell James, M.D., incorrectly designated as Robert James, M.D., are DISMISSED with prejudice. The Office of Judicial Records & Services of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania shall give notice of this Order and attached Opinion to all parties pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 236. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Appeal filed to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Docket No. 863 MDA 2013. Filed May 3, 2013. Denied by Superior Court, October 25, 2013. Petition of Allowance of Appeal From Order of the Superior Court filed. Docket No. 876 MAL 2013. Filed October 25, 2013. Denied by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, March 26, 2014. See Luzerne County Docket No. 1033 of 2011.] —————— COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL Criminal Law and Procedure—Felony Firearm Possession—Reckless Endangerment— Evidence—Motion to Suppress—Burden of Proof—Constitutional Right—Police Custody—Failure to Provide Miranda Warnings—Statements of Defendant Suppressed— Standards for Felony Arrests—Misdemeanor Arrests Committed Outside Presence of Police Officer—Commonwealth v. Clark, 558 Pa. 157, 735 A. 2d 1248 (1999)—Statutory Exceptions —Milbourne v. Baker, No. 11-1866, 2012 WL 1889148 (E.D. Pa., May 23, 2012)—No Statute or Rule of Law Authorizing a Warrantless Arrest for Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person or Harassment Committed Outside the Presence of a Police Officer—Consent to Police Search—Principles—Commonwealth v. Kemp, 961 A. 2d 1247 (Pa. Super. 2008)—Tests for Voluntariness and Seizure—Overlapping Analyses—Factors to Consider—Totality of Circumstances—Invitation—Police Entry—Plain View—Defendant’s Motion to Suppress Firearm Denied. 1. Subsequent to the filing of a motion to suppress evidence, the Commonwealth bears the burden of going forward at a subsequent hearing establishing that the challenged evidence was not obtained in violation of a defendant’s rights. 2. Where it is clear that a defendant was in custody, not advised of his rights pursuant to Miranda, and asked questions regarding the alleged criminal conduct—the aforementioned statement is suppressed. 3. Generally, in determining whether an individual was lawfully arrested, a court begins with a notion that law enforcement authorities must have a warrant to arrest an individual unless they have probable cause to believe (1) a felony has been committed and (2) the person to be arrested is the felon. 4. Commonwealth v. Clark, 558 Pa. 157, 735 A. 2d 1248 (1999) instructs that a warrant is required to make an arrest for a misdemeanor, unless the misdemeanor is committed in the presence of the police officer. Some exceptions exist. See Com. v. Clark. 5. In the matter sub judice, probable cause for a felony arrest did not exist when the defendant was taken into custody. 6. There is no statute in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or rule of law authorizing a warrantless arrest for simple assault, recklessly endangering another person or harassment 24 Luzerne op 7-1 COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL 145 committed outside the presence of the police officer. Milbourne v. Baker, No. 11-1866, 2012 WL 1889148 (E.D. Pa., May 23, 2012). 7. In the matter sub judice, police possessed the probable cause to arrest the defendant for recklessly endangering another person; however, there is no cited authority that permits a warrantless arrest for recklessly endangering another person based upon the factual context of the record in this case. 8. The police did obtain the evidence in the instant matter based upon the consent of the defendant’s girlfriend who invited the police into the residence. 9. The principles of a consented search are outlined by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in Commonwealth v. Kemp, 961 A. 2d 1247 (Pa. Super. 2008). 10. In applying the principles as outlined in Kemp, tests for voluntariness and for seizure entail an examination of the objective circumstances surrounding the police/citizen encounter to determine whether there was a show of authority that would impact upon a reasonable citizen subject’s perspective, there is a substantial necessary overlap in the analyses. 11. Kemp outlines a non-exclusive list of factors to determine whether an individual voluntarily consented to a search. [See reiterated list cited herein.] 12. A statement by police explaining that, absent a consent to search, the police would obtain a search warrant is merely a factor, but not a dispositive one, in the totality of circumstances that a court must review in determining whether the police coerced the individual in consenting to the search. 13. In the matter sub judice, the Commonwealth has established sufficiently the consent for the search. Once invited into the residence, the revolver at issue was in plain view. Accordingly, the defendant’s motion to suppress this evidence is denied. In the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County— Criminal Division—No. 298 of 2013. Jill Matthews, Esquire, Assistant District Attorney, for the Commonwealth. Girard J. Mecadon, Esquire, for the Defendant. Before: Pierantoni, J. PIERANTONI, J., October 7, 2014: Pa. R.Crim.P. 581(I) Memorandum On February 19, 2013, the Commonwealth issued an information in the above captioned matter charging the defendant with possession of a firearm prohibited, a felony of the second degree; recklessly endangering another person, a misdemeanor of the second degree; 25 Luzerne op 7-1 146 COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL and two summary offenses i.e. harassment and disorderly conduct. On May 21, 2014 counsel for the defendant submitted a motion to suppress. A brief in support of this motion was subsequently filed on June 16, 2014 and the Commonwealth submitted a brief in opposition on June 23, 2014. A hearing was conducted on September 26, 2014 at which time the Commonwealth presented the testimony of two members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Trooper Anthony Ziller and Trooper Thomas Swiech. The defense presented the testimony of the defendant and the defendant’s girlfriend, Kim Crawley. Additionally, the defense offered twelve photographs of the residence where the defendant was taken into custody and certain firearms were seized. Issues Presented The motion to suppress asserts that on October 6, 2012 members of the Pennsylvania State Police “descended” upon the defendant’s residence “as a result of investigating a bar fight where it was alleged a gun went off.” Defense counsel argues the state police had no warrant to enter the defendant’s home nor were exigent circumstances present. It is further asserted the defendant was asked permission to search his home, which was denied. The motion additionally asserts the defendant was not advised of his “Miranda Rights” and “any statements he gave were in the absence of a knowing and intelligent waiver of his rights.” Defense counsel additionally argues the defendant was arrested “without probable cause or a valid warrant.” 26 Luzerne op 7-1 COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL 147 The Commonwealth responds that the troopers were present at the residence to investigate an incident which occurred at the “Four Fellas bar” and encountered the defendant “who had already been implicated in several crimes by multiple eye witnesses [sic].” In conclusory fashion, the Commonwealth asserts police arrived with probable cause, and the defendant was arrested. Additionally, the Commonwealth states “Contrary to the Defendant’s statement he was read his Miranda warnings and testimony will show this.” The Commonwealth additionally indicates the troopers were invited into the residence by Kimberly Crawley and therefore possessed consent to search. Once inside the troopers observed “the revolver at issue in plain view.” Factual Summary On October 6, 2012 Trooper Anthony Ziller was assigned the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift and was dispatched to Four Fellas bar in response to a reported “bar fight, shots fired.” Trooper Ziller indicated after arriving at the scene he interviewed several witnesses who identified the defendant as the alleged perpetrator. Troopers responded to the defendant’s residence, which was then surrounded. The defendant was observed on a couch and responded to the troopers’ presence at the door of the residence. Mr. Wassil was placed in handcuffs and questioned regarding the incident at the bar. The trooper additionally testified the defendant was under arrest. Trooper Ziller acknowledged that the defendant was not advised of Miranda rights prior to the questioning. On cross-examination Trooper Ziller stated that two patrol vehicles and a total of four troopers responded 27 Luzerne op 7-1 148 COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL to Mr. Wassil’s residence. The witness additionally indicated that a vehicle at the residence matched the description of the vehicle involved in the incident at Four Fellas bar. Trooper Ziller stated the vehicle’s registration was “run” but he was unsure regarding the information subsequently received. The witness reiterated the defendant’s residence was surrounded and that he knocked on the front door of the mobile home. The defendant responded to the door at which point he was ordered from the home with a “rifle pointed at him” and placed in handcuffs at which time he was directed to sit on the steps of the residence accompanied by the trooper. On redirect Trooper Ziller stated police were in possession of probable cause to effectuate the arrest of the defendant and that the vehicle present at the defendant’s residence was a Subaru. Trooper Thomas Swiech was called and initially stated on October 5, 2012 he was assigned the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. Trooper Swiech indicated members of the state police surrounded the defendant’s mobile home after initially investigating an incident which occurred at the Four Fellas bar. After arriving at the residence the state police established a perimeter and were able to observe “two sets of feet” lying on a mattress inside a room in which the television was on. When another member of the state police knocked on the front door both individuals got off the mattress. The second individual was subsequently identified as Kim Crawley, the defendant’s girlfriend. After the defendant was ordered from the home and detained on the front steps Ms. Crawley was asked if the 28 Luzerne op 7-1 COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL 149 troopers could “step inside” and she “invited us in.” In this context, Trooper Swiech stated he identified himself and explained to Ms. Crawley the reason for the state police presence. This witness additionally testified Ms. Crawley advised that her daughter was asleep in the back bedroom. The witness stated he awoke the aforementioned female and as the lights in the residence were turned on he “immediately observed a black revolver.” Trooper Swiech indicated he explained to Ms. Crawley why the state police were present and obtained her consent to search the residence. This search revealed two additional firearms which were close to the bed. On cross-examination the witness stated he initially encountered the female in the doorway of the residence and did not recall whether the residence had a screen door or whether it was a warm night. The witness reiterated that the state police were invited into the residence by the female; the state police explained their presence; and asked for and obtained consent to search. The trooper indicated a total of three handguns were seized which were “within feet of one another.” The black revolver was in plain view and the two additional firearms were described as “around the bed.” The trooper did not initially observe the later two weapons. The defense called Kim Crawley who indicated on the night in question she was inside the trailer. Ms. Crawley heard no sirens. She did hear the defendant, who was wearing boxer shorts, “get up.” The two were “in our bedroom” and Ms. Crawley followed the defendant to the door. 29 Luzerne op 7-1 150 COMMONWEALTH v. WASSIL The witness identified twelve pictures of the residence describing various heights and window coverings. Ms. Crawley stated she spoke to three troopers who asked permission to enter the residence. Ms. Crawley stated she advised the troopers “absolutely not” in response to the request. The witness further indicated the troopers represented if warrant was obtained it may take six troopers and two days to complete the search, to which Ms. Crawley responded “Get a warrant.” Ms. Crawley additionally indicated the troopers advised they would take her into custody, came into the residence and “searched anyway.” Ms. Crawley stated the three guns in the residence were “my guns” and that the defendant had no knowledge the firearms were present. On cross-examination Ms. Crawley acknowledged she lived with the defendant at the residence in question. The witness additionally acknowledged that her testimony was in direct contradiction to that offered by the troopers. The witness further acknowledged being aware of the defendant’s criminal history and that the weapons were kept on “my side of the bed.” The witness additionally indicated there was a gun safe in the trailer but that the guns were not in the safe. The defendant assumed the stand and stated he heard a “bang” at the bottom of the trailer steps and after opening the door had “a rifle pointed at me.” The defendant stated he was placed in handcuffs and asked if the troopers could enter his residence to which he responded “No get a warrant.” The defendant additionally stated he was in “boxer shorts” when the state police arrived. To Be Continued 30 Luzerne op 7-1 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER DECEDENTS’ ESTATES Notice is hereby given that letters testamentary or of administration have been granted in the following estates. All persons indebted to said estates are required to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the administrators or executors named or their attorneys ESTATE OF STANLEY T. MESHINSKI, late of Shickshinny (died August 1, 2014), Valerie Malishchak, Executrix; Attorney David R. Lipka, Law Offices, 50 East Main St., Plymouth, PA 186513017 ESTATE OF DOROTHY A. MORAN a/k/a Dorothy Anne Moran, late of Hazleton (died October 25, 2013), Mark A. Moran, Executor; Peter J. Fagan, Esquire, P.O. Box 904, Conyngham, PA 18219 FIRST PUBLICATION ESTATE OF LOWELL AUGUST BELTZ a/k/a Lowell Beltz, late of Hazle Twp. (died August 6, 2013), Loretta Beltz, Administratrix; Michael S. Greek, Esquire, 42 East Patterson St., Lansford, PA 18232 ESTATE OF WILLIAM M. REDICKA a/k/a William Michael Redicka, late of Dupont (died July 11, 2014), Mary Ann Redicka, Administratrix; Dominick P. Pannunzio, Esquire, 294 Main St., Dupont, PA 18641 ESTATE OF LEO P. DEAN, late of Hazleton (died May 13, 2014), Mary E. Koval, Executrix; Bart E. Ecker, Esquire, Laputka, Bayless, Ecker & Cohn, P.C., One South Church St., Suite 301, Hazleton, PA 18201 ESTATE OF PAUL W. SEROCK, late of Hazleton (died January 26, 2014), Joseph G. Serock, Administrator; John P. Rodgers, Esquire, 15 Public Sq., Suite 210, WilkesBarre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF MARGARET L. DWYER a/k/a Margaret Dwyer, late of Kingston (died September 26, 2014), Michael Donald Dwyer, Executor; James P. Blaum, Esquire, New Bridge Center, 480 Pierce St., Suite 216, Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF THEODORE G. SKIBINSKI, late of Wilkes-Barre (died September 22, 2014), Richard Skibinski, Executor; Gallagher, Brennan & Gill, 220 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF JOSEPH M. MATTEO, late of Hazleton City (died September 23, 2014), Pasco J. Umbriac, 499 Morrison Circle, Hazle Twp., PA 18201, Executor; Pasco L. Schiavo, Esquire, 1 Columbus Place, 199 North Church St., Hazleton, PA 18201-5874 ESTATE OF GEORGE G. STEGENA a/k/a George Stegena, late of Freeland (died September 18, 2014), Linda Stegena and Deborah Frank, Co-Administratrices; Richard J. Marusak, Esquire, Ustynoski & Marusak, LLC, 101 West Broad St., Suite 205, Hazleton, PA 18201 ESTATE OF SYLVIA M. MENGHINI a/k/a Sylvia Menghini, late of Sugarloaf Twp. (died September 1, 2014), Reverend Peter D. Menghini, Executor; Thomas J. Carlyon, Esquire, 4285 Hollywood Blvd., Hazle Twp., PA 18202 ESTATE OF MARIE T. TALAROVICH, late of Freeland (died June 10, 2007), Kathleen Peruchetti, Executrix; Albert F. Maier, Jr., Esquire, 820 Main St., Freeland, PA 18224 31 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER SECOND PUBLICATION tor; Raymond A. Hassey, Esquire, 304 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 ESTATE OF EDWARD G. BEZDZICKI, late of Hanover Twp. (died August 26, 2014), Edward F. Bezdecki, Administrator; Elliot B. Edley, Esquire, Edley and Reishtein, Citizens Bank Center, 8 West Market St., Suite 650, WilkesBarre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF KEVIN JUDE JORDAN a/k/a Kevin J. Jordan, late of Exeter (died August 31, 2014), Erin Colleen Jordan, 178 Washington Ave., West Wyoming, PA 18644, Executrix ESTATE OF BARBARA J. BLOSS, late of Butler Twp. (died May 29, 2014), Walter L. Bloss, Sr., Administrator; Gordon L. Bigelow, Esquire, The Bigelow Law Firm, P.C., 7 Sand Springs Dr., P.O. Box 453, Drums, PA 18222 ESTATE OF CALVIN W. KANYUCK, late of Newport Twp. (died September 7, 2014), Ruth M. Kanyuck, Executrix; Richard C. Shiptoski, Esquire, 792 Market St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF OLIVE KIRK a/k/a Olive M. Kirk, late of Wyoming (died October 6, 2013), Marie J. Kirk, Executrix; Kluxen, Newcomer & Dreisbach, Attorneys-at-Law, 339 North Duke St., P.O. Box 539, Lancaster, PA 17608-0539 ESTATE OF CHARLES EVANCHYK, late of Ashley (died September 24, 2014), Phyllis Radice, Administratrix; Patrick J. Aregood, Esquire, 1218 South Main St., WilkesBarre, PA 18706 ESTATE OF JOAN M. KOTCH, late of Freeland (died July 9, 2014), Michael Kotch, Executor; Donald G. Karpowich, Esquire, 85 Drasher Rd., Drums, PA 18222 ESTATE OF FRANK GELSLEICHTER a/k/a Frank C. Gelsleichter, Jr. a/k/a Frank C. Gelsleichter, late of Dallas (died September 25, 2014), Don Dymond, Executor; Jami Layaou Hearn, Esquire, 28 East Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657 ESTATE OF CYRIL J. KOWALCHICK, late of Hazleton (died February 25, 2014), Mary Kish, Administratrix; John P. Rodgers, Esquire, 15 Public Sq., Suite 210, WilkesBarre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF TONY GENNARO, late of Dallas (died June 9, 2009), Paula Pizzo, Executrix; David W. Saba, Esquire, 400 Third Ave., Suite 101, Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF RAYMOND M. MARUSAK a/k/a Raymond Marusak, late of Hazleton (died September 19, 2014), Monica Dougherty, Executrix; Richard J. Marusak, Esquire, Ustynoski & Marusak, LLC, 101 West Broad St., Suite 205, Hazleton, PA 18201 ESTATE OF ROBERT A. GROSS, SR. a/k/a Robert A. Gross, late of Sugarloaf (died September 14, 2014), Robert A. Gross Jr., Executor; Daniel A. Miscavige, Esquire, Gillespie Miscavige, 67 North Church St., Hazleton, PA 18201 ESTATE OF DORIS E. MONTE a/k/a Doris Monte, late of Drums (died September 21, 2014), Donna Hadzick, Executrix; Joseph R. Ferdinand, Esquire, 67 North Church St., Hazleton, PA 18201 ESTATE OF JUDITH M. HASSEY, late of Exeter (died October 1, 2014), Raymond A. Hassey, Sr., Execu32 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER ESTATE OF THOMAS F. O’DONNELL, late of Hanover Twp. (died September 24, 2014), Neil T. O’Donnell, Executor; Catherine R. O’Donnell, Esquire, O’Donnell Law Office, 267 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704 & Greenwald, LLP, 15 South Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0075 ESTATE OF DORA SERAFINI, late of Wilkes-Barre (died September 3, 2014), Doreen John, Executrix; Charles D. McCormick Esquire and Caelie McCormick Sweigart, Esquire, One South Main St., 3rd Floor, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF DOROTHY H. PODLESNEY, late of Hazle Twp. (died May 22, 2014), David Podlesney, Executor; Gordon L. Bigelow, Esquire, The Bigelow Law Firm, P.C., 7 Sand Springs Dr., P.O. Box 453, Drums, PA 18222 ESTATE OF ELEANOR ZDANCEWICZ, late of Kingston (died September 21, 2014), Cathy Mrackowski, Executrix; John J. Terrana, Esquire, 400 Third Ave., Suite 216, Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF STANLEY F. RADKOVSKY, late of Conyngham (died September 27, 2014), Martha Vincent, Administratrix; Carl N. Frank, Esquire, Farrell & Frank, Citizens Bank Center, 8 West Market St., Suite 1021, WilkesBarre, PA 18701-1801 THIRD PUBLICATION ESTATE OF JOSEPH E. BANJOCK, late of Kingston (died September 13, 2014), Demetrius W. Fannick, Executor; Kevin M. Walsh, Esquire, 297-299 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF ROBERT J. REBENNACK, late of Jackson Twp. (died August 7, 2014), Anne M. Rebennack, Executrix; Robert L. Dluge, Jr., Esquire, Diehl, Dluge, Jones & Michetti, P.O. Box 304, Elysburg, PA 17824 ESTATE OF MARY CAPLO, late of Hazleton (died September 18, 2014), Rita Libonati, Executrix; William J. Schneider, Esquire, 439 West Broad St., Hazleton, PA 18201-6106 ESTATE OF ADAM F. RUTSKI, late of Butler Twp. (died August 24, 2014), Renee Rutski, Executrix; Joseph D. Ustynoski, Esquire, Ustynoski & Marusak, 101 West Broad St., Suite 205, Hazleton, PA 18201 ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE DIGNANI, late of Nanticoke (died May 21, 2014), John J. Halat, Executor; Pyrah/Stevens, LLC, 575 Pierce St., Suite 303, Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF GARY A. EVANS, late of Harveys Lake (died September 19, 2014), Todd W. Evans, Executor; Matthew E. Reinert, Esquire, 63 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF EVELYN V. SAGAN, late of Freeland (died September 19, 2014), Robert J. Sagan, Executor; Anthony Dixon, Esquire, Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, 120 East Broad St., West Hazleton, PA 18202 ESTATE OF LEONA ORETTA FILIP, late of Wilkes-Barre (died August 4, 2014), Thomas M. Filip, Administrator; Anthony G. Ross, Esquire, 126 South Main St., Pittston, PA 18640 ESTATE OF ROSEMARY E. SCANLON, late of Laflin (died August 9, 2014), Margaret Mary Valentine, Administratrix; Rosenn, Jenkins 33 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER ESTATE OF BENNY E. HOWE, late of Plains (died September 2, 2014), Kevin E. Howe, Executor; Jannell L. Decker, Esquire, 1043 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704 trix; Thomas P. Brennan, Esquire, Gallagher, Brennan & Gill, 220 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF AGNES C. SCHAFER a/k/a Agnes C. Horn Schafer, late of Freeland (died January 29, 2012), Burton E. Schafer, Executor; Albert F. Maier, Jr., Esquire, 820 Main St., Freeland, PA 18224 ESTATE OF DELBERT J. McDERMOTT, SR., late of West Wyoming (died January 21, 2014), Delbert J. McDermott, Jr., Executor; Kevin R. Grebas, Esquire, Colbert & Grebas, P.C., 210 Montage Mountain Rd., Suite A, Moosic, PA 18507 ESTATE OF THEODORE SKRAINY, late of Swoyersville (died September 17, 2014), Sophie Pointon, Executrix; Frank J. Aritz, Esquire, 23 West Walnut St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF JUAN F. MIRANDA, late of West Wyoming (died May 13, 2012), Jeanine Loftus, Executrix; Kelley, Polishan & Solfanelli, LLC, 259 S. Keyser Ave., Old Forge, PA 18518 ESTATE OF JOSEPH STOSHICK a/k/a Joseph R. Stoshick, late of Dupont (died May 19, 2014), David Stoshick, Executor; Michael J. Kizis, Esquire, 61 N. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF ERMA A. MUSTO, late of Wilkes-Barre (died January 8, 2014), Mary Lou Webb, Administratrix; Donald T. Rogers, Esquire and Michael D. Rogers, Esquire, 63 West River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 ESTATE OF THOMAS B. VELGUS, late of Plymouth (died April 1, 2014), Josita Warman, Executrix; Marsha Ann Basco, Esquire, 792 Market St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF DOROTHY MARTHA NOYLE, late of Forty Fort (died November 12, 2003), Judith A. Lane, Administratrix; Bruce J. Phillips, Esquire, Caverly, Shea, Phillips & Rodgers, LLC, 15 Public Sq., Suite 210, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF LYNN WARGO, late of Glen Lyon (died September 22, 2014), Michael J. Wargo, Administrator; Caelie McCormick Sweigart, Esquire, One South Main St., 3rd Floor, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 ESTATE OF FELIX P. WAWER, late of Swoyersville (died July 30, 2014), Felix J. Wawer, Administrator; Kevin M. Walsh, Esquire, 297-299 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704 ESTATE OF FREDERICK E. PETERS a/k/a Fred Peters, late of Conyngham (died August 30, 2014), Louise Ann LeVitre of Raymond, ME and Jeffrey A. Peters of Belt, MT, Co-Executors; Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire, The Falvello Law Firm, P.C., 314 Main St., Suite A, Sugarloaf, PA 18249 —————— NOTICE OF HEARING ——— To: Laura DeStefano A Petition has been filed asking the Court to put an end to all rights you have to your child, J.R.S. The Court has set a hear- ESTATE OF THERESA REGULLA, late of Wyoming (died August 2, 2014), Joan Tuttle, Administra34 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER ing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held in the Orphans’ Courtroom, Luzerne County Courthouse, Judge Bernard C. Brominski Building, 113 West North Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18711 on November 26, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. Your presence is required at the hearing. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below to find out where you can get legal help. North Penn Legal Services, Inc. 33 North Main St. Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 (877) 953-4250 Toll Free (570) 824-0001 Fax or 101 West Broad St. Suite 513 Hazleton, PA 18201 (570) 455-9512 (877) 953-4250 Toll Free (570) 455-3625 Fax Oct. 10, 17, 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the shareholders and directors of Interface, Inc., a Pennsylvania Corporation, with an office at 75 Kiwanis Boulevard, P.O. Box 0, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, have approved a proposal that the corporation voluntarily dissolve and that the Board of Directors is now engaged in winding up and settling the affairs of the corporation under the provisions of Section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. RICHARD J. MARUSAK, ESQUIRE USTYNOSKI AND MARUSAK, LLC 101 West Broad Street Suite 205 Hazleton, PA 18201 Oct. 24 —————— IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LUZERNE COUNTY CIVIL ACTION—EQUITY ——— 9728 of 2014 ——— KELLY MANNING vs. JESSICA McGOLDRICK ——— IN PARTITION ——— NOTICE ——— TO: JESSICA McGOLDRICK, 96 WEST CAREY ST., PLAINS, PA 18705 YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or 35 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. AVISO A USTED SE LE HA DEMANDADO EN LA CORTE. Si usted quiere defenderse contra la demanda expuesta en las siguientes páginas, tiene que tomar acción en un plazo de veinte (20) días después que reciba esta demanda y aviso, por presentar una notificacíon de comparecencia escrita personalmente o por abogado y radicar por escrito en la Corte sus defensas u objeciones a las demandas presentadas en su contra. Se le advierte que si falla en hacerlo, el caso podría seguir adelante sin usted y un fallo podría ser dictado en su contra por la Corte sin previo aviso por cualquier dinero reclamado en la demanda o por cualquier otro reclamo o desagravio pedido por el/la demandante. Puede que usted pierda dinero o propiedad u otros derechos importantes para usted. USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENE ABOGADO, DIRÍJASE O LLAME POR TELÉFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCIÓN SE ENCUENTRA ABAJO. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEERLE CON INFORMACIÓN SOBRE COMO CONTRATAR UN ABOGADO. SI NO TIENE LOS FONDOS SUFICIENTES PARA CONTRATAR UN ABOGADO, ESTA OFICINA PODRÍA PROPORCIONARLE INFORMACIÓN ACERCA DE AGENCIAS QUE PUEDAN OFRECERLES SERVICIOS LEGALES A PERSONAS QUE REÚNAN LOS REQEQUISITOS A UN HONRARIO REDUCIDO O GRATIS. North Penn Legal Services, Inc. 33 N. Main Street Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 (877) 953-4250 Toll Free (570) 824-0001 Fax or 101 West Broad Street Suite 513 Hazleton, PA 18201 (570) 455-9512 (877) 953-4250 Toll Free (570) 455-3625 Fax Servicios Legales de North Penn, Inc. 33 La Calle Main del Norte Oficina 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 (877) 953-4250 Llamada gratuita (570) 824-0001 Fax 101 la Calle Broad del Oeste Oficina 513 Hazleton, PA 18201 (570) 455-9512 (877) 953-4250 Llamada gratuita (570) 455-3625 Fax Oct. 10, 17, 24 36 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER NOTICE ——— TO: ERIC KRISOVITCH A petition has been filed asking the Court to put an end to all rights you have to your child S.D. born on February 13, 2009, biological child of Jessica Douglas. The Court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your children. That hearing will be held on November 10, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. at the Lackawanna County Family Court Center, Second Floor, 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. If you do not appear at this hearing, the Court may decide that you are not interested in retaining your rights to your child and your failure to appear may affect the Court’s decision on whether to end your rights to your child. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your children may be ended by the Court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Northern Pennsylvania Legal Services, Inc. 33 North Main St. Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 1-877-953-4250 Oct. 17, 24, 31 NOTICE OF HEARING ——— TO: Fred Gettis RE: Adoption of S.G. and E.G., Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas A petition has been filed asking the Court to put an end to all rights you have to your children, S.G. and E.G. The Court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your children and changing the goal to adoption. That hearing will be held as set forth below: PLACE: Luzerne County Courthouse, Brominski Building, 3rd Floor, 113 W. North Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA DATE: November 25, 2014 TIME: 2:30 p.m. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your children may be ended by the Court without you being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or phone one of the offices set forth below to find out where you can get legal help. Legal Services of Northeastern PA 33 North Main St. Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office Luzerne County Courthouse Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 (570) 825-1754 37 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER ANTHONY LUMBIS, ESQUIRE Luzerne County Children and Youth Services 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 PHONE: (570) 826-8710 Oct. 17, 24, 31 —————— NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ——— IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ——— No. 3910-2013 ——— EAGLE ROCK RESORT CO., L.L.C. Plaintiff vs. IMELDA B. PAULINES Defendant ——— To: IMELDA B. PAULINES You are hereby notified that on April 1, 2013, Eagle Rock Resort Co., L.L.C., filed a Complaint in Mortgage Foreclosure against the above Defendant at the above number. Property subject to Mortgage Foreclosure: Lot 330 of the MVII Subdivision located at Eagle Rock Resort, Hazle Township, County of Luzerne, Pennsylvania 18202. NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 100 South Street P.O. Box 186 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0186 (800) 692-7375 LORINE ANGELO OGURKIS, ESQUIRE Pa. I.D. #91337 Attorney for Plaintiff Eagle Rock Resort 1031 Valley of Lakes Hazleton, PA 18201 (570) 384-1377 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ——— IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ——— No. 2014-305 38 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 100 South Street P.O. Box 186 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0186 (800) 692-7375 LORINE ANGELO OGURKIS, ESQUIRE Pa. I.D. #91337 Attorney for Plaintiff Eagle Rock Resort 1031 Valley of Lakes Hazleton, PA 18201 (570) 384-1377 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ——— IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, LUZERNE COUNTY CIVIL ACTION—LAW ——— No. 2014-09314 ——— Nationstar Mortgage, LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Robert Salitis, Deceased, Karen Salitis Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Robert Salitis Deceased & Carl Salitis Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Robert Salitis Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants ——— To: The Unknown Heirs of Robert Salitis, Deceased, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 148 Dickson Street, Duryea, PA 18642 EAGLE ROCK RESORT CO., L.L.C. Plaintiff vs. RICHARD P. DiMUCCI Defendant ——— To: RICHARD P. DiMUCCI You are hereby notified that on January 18, 2014, Eagle Rock Resort Co., L.L.C., filed a Complaint in Mortgage Foreclosure against the above Defendant at the above number. Property subject to Mortgage Foreclosure: Lot 285 of the TT Subdivision located at Eagle Rock Resort, Hazle Township, County of Luzerne, Pennsylvania 18202. NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE 39 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff Nationstar Mortgage, LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 2014-09314, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 148 Dickson Street, Duryea, PA 18642, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Luzerne County. NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. North Penn Legal Services, Inc. 33 North Main St. Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 Wilkes-Barre Law Library Assoc. (570) 822-6712 ALYK OFLAZIAN, ESQUIRE KML LAW GROUP, P.C. Attys. for Plaintiff Mellon Independence Center 701 Market St. Ste. 5000 Philadelphia, PA 19106-1532 (215) 627-1322 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ——— LUZERNE COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ——— Number: 2014-9757 ——— Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Plaintiff v. Jon L. Dumitrasku, Known Surviving Heir of Maria Dumitrasku, Deceased Mortgagor and Real Owner, Dragan Dumitrasku, Known Surviving Heir of Maria Dumitrasku, Deceased 40 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER Mortgagor and Real Owner, Gloria M. Dumitrasku, Known Surviving Heir of Maria Dumitrasku, Deceased Mortgagor and Real Owner, Unknown Surviving Heirs of Maria Dumitrasku, Deceased Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants ——— TO: Unknown Surviving Heirs of Maria Dumitrasku, Deceased Mortgagor and Real Owner Premises subject to foreclosure: 929 West 1st Street, Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201. NOTICE If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in writing with the court. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you without further notice for the relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this notice to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Legal Services of Northeastern PA, Inc. 33 North Main St. Suite 200 Pittston, PA 18640 (570) 299-4100 McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 123 S. Broad St. Ste. 1400 Philadelphia, PA 19109 (215) 790-1010 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that: H W POWERHOUSE, INC. has been incorporated under the Pennsylvania Business Corporations Law of 1988. HARRY W. SKENE, ESQUIRE A PRACTICAL ATTORNEY, P.C. 900 Rutter Ave. Forty Fort, PA 18704 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Valerie A. Evans filed an Application for Registration of Fictitious Name with the Pennsylvania Department of State on September 29, 2014 for: GRANDVIEW EVALUATION with its principal place of business at: 315 Spring Street, West Pittston, PA 18643. Said application was filed in accordance with the Fictitious Name Act, Act 1982-295 (54 Pa. C.S. Sec. 301 et seq.). HARRY W. SKENE, ESQUIRE A PRACTICAL ATTORNEY, P.C. 900 Rutter Ave. Forty Fort, PA 18704 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS GIVEN that Certificate of Organization was filed 41 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER with the Department of State on or about October 14, 2014, establishing: VAPE 315, LLC as a registered Domestic Limited Liability Company in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with a principal address of: 320 Hwy. 315, Pittston, PA. RAYMOND A. HASSEY, ESQUIRE 304 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Incorporation have been filed with and approved by the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA on September 19, 2014, and a Certificate of Incorporation issued to: GARDEN GATES SERVICES, INC. The purpose of the corporation is: to have unlimited power to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any or all lawful business for which corporations may be incorporated under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. JOSEPH G. ALBERT, ESQUIRE ALBERT & KAMAGE 458 Wyoming Avenue Kingston, PA 18704 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Incorporation were approved by the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on September 15, 2014 for the purpose of incorporating a non-profit corporation under the NonProfit Law of 1988 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as amended. The name of the corporation is: LOVE YOURSELF A LOT, INC. The purpose of this nonprofit corporation is: to provide information, education and support to young people struggling with issues of bullying, addiction, depression and self injury and to incorporate the power of music to inspire young people all over the world to stay true to who they are and to be kind, caring and compassionate citizens of the world; and to engage in and do any lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated under the Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of any member. JOSEPH G. ALBERT, ESQUIRE ALBERT & KAMAGE 458 Wyoming Avenue Kingston, PA 18704 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that: PRECISE COMPOUNDING, INC. 42 THE LUZERNE LEGAL REGISTER KAHLAU PROPERTIES, LLC was filed with the Department of State, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on September 19, 2014. The Corporation has been incorporated under the provisions of the Limited Liability Company Act of 1994. JONATHAN A. SPOHRER, ESQUIRE 279 Pierce Street Kingston, PA 18704 Oct. 24 has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, L.L.P. 15 South Franklin Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0075 Oct. 24 —————— NOTICE ——— NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Certificate of Organization for: 43 D E L I V E R TO: PERIODICAL PUBLICATION * Dated Material. Do Not Delay. Please Deliver Before Monday, October 27, 2014
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