Local News-Wednesday, Dec. 27th

A man from Tamaqua is charged with sexual abuse and possessing child pornography. 36-year-old Timothy Dunstun, was arrested for having child pornography on his computer and having sexual contact with a girl. Police would not say how old the girl is. Dunstun also faces related charges including sexual exploitation of a child and indecent assault. He is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $50-thousand-dollars bail.

An August accident, in which a Pine Grove woman died, results in the arrest of a Tremont man.
Hegins Township police now say that 23-year-old Neil Hatfield is charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and related charges pertaining to the August 19th crash in Hegins Township. That crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Shannon Sullivan of Pine Grove, who was a passenger in Hatfield’s car. The Pottsville Republican reports that Hatfield was arraigned late last week after a thorough investigation. Police say that Hatfield was driving drunk on the night in question, and failed to stop at an intersection in Valley View. The car struck a rock embankment and rolled over. Sullivan died at the scene, but Hatfield recovered from his injuries. Hatfield was released on bail, and will have a preliminary hearing next week.

Funeral services were held for the second woman who died in the Orpheum Theatre fire in November. Jacqueline Richman died of lingering injuries from the blaze on November 11th in Orwigsburg. Ms. Richman passed away last Friday. Carol LaTorre’s body was found in the rubble of the devastating blaze. The Pottsville Republican reports that the investigation into the fire continues, the official cause has not yet been determined. The official determination of Latorre’s identity is still pending the receipt of DNA tests on the woman. Both women lived in an apartment in the building, which housed the former theatre.

A Shenandoah man is under arrest for assaulting his stepson. Shenandoah police were called to the District Court office of William Slezosky, where a 14-year-old told officers that he was assaulted by his stepfather, Michael Teaschencko. The man reportedly choked and kicked the boy during the fight. The boy suffered bruises and cuts as a result. Teaschenko was charged with simple assault, harassment and child endangerment.

A Pine Grove woman is the victim of theft in Lebanon County. Jonestown State Police report that Connie Hershey had the contents of her purse stolen at a business in Lebanon County Tuesday. The thief got away with personal money, and monies from a sewing business, and fled the scene. The amount of money taken was not released. Troopers are continuing the investigation.