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Cumberland County, PA

PA Turnpike RV Explosion Victim ID’d: Coroner PA Turnpike RV Explosion Victim ID’d: Coroner
PA Turnpike RV Explosion Victim ID’d: Coroner The woman injured after a propane explosion destroyed a recreational vehicle and damaged property at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike has died and been, authorities announced on Saturday, Dec. 14. Melinda VanNewkirk, 68, of Milton, Delaware, was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, according to the Cumberland County Coroner's Office. Her cause of death was listed as complications from burns covering 35% to 37% of her body. The manner of death was ruled accidental. The explosion occurred at 4:55 a.m. on T…
Former PA Senate Chaplain Charged In Sex Trafficking Sting Former PA Senate Chaplain Charged In Sex Trafficking Sting
Former PA Senate Chaplain Charged In Sex Trafficking Sting A Cumberland County pastor faces serious charges after allegedly patronizing a massage parlor at the center of a human trafficking investigation, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice Wednesday, Nov. 27. Stephen Robert Melton, 65, of Mechanicsburg, a pastor at Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville, is accused of paying for sex acts at least 68 times over five months at GL Massage Spa in Carlisle. The charges, filed by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, include: Felony Patronizing a Victim of Human Trafficking with Reckless Disregard Misdemeanor…
Former Cumberland County District Attorney Skip Ebert Passes Away At 76 Former Cumberland County District Attorney Skip Ebert Passes Away At 76
Former Cumberland County District Attorney Skip Ebert Passes Away At 76 Former Cumberland County District Attorney Merle "Skip" Ebert, known for his innovative contributions to the criminal justice system, has passed away at the age of 76, officials announced on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 4:45 p.m. Ebert, who also served as a judge, was deeply admired for his commitment to justice and reform. His legacy includes groundbreaking initiatives such as establishing investigative grand juries at the county level, creating Cumberland County’s Central Booking Center, and launching a Victim Services Division within the District Attorney's Office to support crime victims navigati…
Explosion Injures One, Damages Vehicles At PA Turnpike Service Plaza Explosion Injures One, Damages Vehicles At PA Turnpike Service Plaza
Explosion Injures One, Damages Vehicles At PA Turnpike Service Plaza An explosion rocked the Blue Mountain Service Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike early Tuesday, Nov. 19, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The blast occurred in the rear commercial vehicle parking lot of the westbound plaza at mile marker 202.5 in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, at approximately 4:55 a.m., authorities said. A preliminary investigation revealed the explosion was caused by a propane leak inside a 2003 Ford RV with Delaware registration, troopers reported. The vehicle was destroyed in the incident. One person inside the RV was injured and transported by EMS to Pen…
Hearing On Challenged Provisional Ballots In Cumberland Scheduled: Officials Hearing On Challenged Provisional Ballots In Cumberland Scheduled: Officials
Hearing On Challenged Provisional Ballots In Cumberland Scheduled: Officials After numerous challenges to provisional ballots in Cumberland County officials have scheduled a hearing. The Cumberland County Commissioners have voted to conduct a hearing to review the challenges to provisional ballots.  It will take place in Courtroom 1 of the Cumberland County Courthouse at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. The hearing is open to the public.  Additional information was not available. Check back here for possible updates.
Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who PA Chose In Presidential Race Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who PA Chose In Presidential Race
Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who PA Chose In Presidential Race For the second straight presidential election, Pennsylvania voters helped a candidate narrowly win the state, with Republican candidate Donald Trump edging out Vice President Kamala Harris in the most recent race.  Trump received 50.51% of the vote (3,457,446 votes) statewide, coming in just ahead of Harris who had 48.53% (3,322,052 votes), according to unofficial results from the Department of State posted on Wednesday, Nov. 6. In 2020, the numbers were similar but with Joe Biden on the winner's side, according to previous reporting by Daily Voice. Four years ago, Biden had 50.01% of …
Election 2024: Scott Perry Wins PA's 10th US Congressional District Election 2024: Scott Perry Wins PA's 10th US Congressional District
Election 2024: Scott Perry Wins PA's 10th US Congressional District Election Day 2024 is in the books, and Pennsylvanians have chosen their next representatives in Congress, according to multiple outlets' projections based on unofficial results. In the commonwealth’s 10th congressional district race, Scott Perry defeated Janelle Stelson for the House seat representing Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York counties. The incumbent was leading his democratic party opponent by a margin of 50.8% to 49.2%, with 99% of the vote as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, according to the PA Department of State. Perry has represented the district since 2019. Am…
PA Robber, Child Rapist Nabbed By US Marshals In MD Found Dead In Cell PA Robber, Child Rapist Nabbed By US Marshals In MD Found Dead In Cell
PA Robber, Child Rapist Nabbed By US Marshals In MD Found Dead In Cell A robber — who was caught by US Marshals in Northern Maryland in July 2023 — has died in prison while serving time for raping a child, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.  Anthony James Raimo, 35 at the time of his arrest, of the 700 block of Harrisburg Pike, Dillsburg, was arrested on July 7, 2023, by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Washington County, MD Sheriff's Office, as Daily Voice previously reported. Raimo, now 37, was found unresponsive in his cell at State Correctional Institution in Houtzdale, PA, on October 8, 2024, accord…
Fake Urine Tests By Married PA Doctors Lead To Millions In Restitution: USDOJ Fake Urine Tests By Married PA Doctors Lead To Millions In Restitution: USDOJ
Fake Urine Tests By Married PA Doctors Lead To Millions In Restitution: Usdoj A husband and wife team of Pennsylvania doctors have been sentenced for a urine drug test fraud, the US Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Physician with specialized training in anesthesiology, John H. Johnson and his physician wife, Paula Z. Johnson, both age 62, of Hollidaysburg, were sentenced for committing fraud by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner on Tuesday, Sept. 17, as detailed in the USDOJ release.  Dr. John Johnson received a sentence of 97 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. D…
PA Daycare Worker, Mom, BF Made Children Perform Sex Acts: Affidavit PA Daycare Worker, Mom, BF Made Children Perform Sex Acts: Affidavit
PA Daycare Worker, Mom, BF Made Children Perform Sex Acts: Affidavit Multiple videos found on a man's phone of young children being sexually abused or being forced to commit sex acts by and on a daycare employee and Mechanicsburg mom have led to two arrests in Cumberland County, according to court documents received by Daily Voice on Monday, Sept. 16.  Morgan Rothenhoefer, 24, of Mechanicsburg, has been charged with the following felonies: corruption of minors, five counts of filming a sex act of a child, deviate sexual intercourse of a child, aggravated indecent assault with a child under 13, and child rape. Jamie Souders, 41, of Middlesex, has be…
9-County Retail Theft Ring Busted: PA Attorney General 9-County Retail Theft Ring Busted: PA Attorney General
9-County Retail Theft Ring Busted: PA Attorney General Five people involved in a major organized retail theft operation have been charged with targeting stores across nine counties, authorities said. Marlin Polanco, Malik McDonald, Cartier Hardy, Homario Oldacre, and Lorenzo Walters were charged in Dauphin County with corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, and related crimes, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said on Monday, Aug. 26. The total value of stolen goods is estimated to be worth more than $71,000, Henry said. Between February 28 and May 30, the group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications and other health an…
Central Penn Baseball Star Struck Dead By Tractor-Trailer On I-81: Coroner Central Penn Baseball Star Struck Dead By Tractor-Trailer On I-81: Coroner
Central Penn Baseball Star Struck Dead By Tractor-Trailer On I-81: Coroner A former college baseball player was struck dead on Interstate 81 on Sunday, Aug. 25, the Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall told Daily Voice.  Quinton J. Heckard, 26, of Hummelstown, was hit by a tractor-trailer on I-81 South at mile marker 61.7 at 8:13 a.m., according to Hall.  The fatal pedestrian strike happened when "Heckard stepped in front of the truck from the shoulder of the road," Hall said. He was pronounced dead at the scene from "Multiple Traumatic Injuries at the scene," the coroner said but the manner of his death was not released.  An investigation into …
HOMICIDE: 10-Year-Old Girl's Death Lands PA Pair Charges, Police Say HOMICIDE: 10-Year-Old Girl's Death Lands PA Pair Charges, Police Say
Homicide: 10-Year-Old Girl's Death Lands PA Pair Charges, Police Say A duo has been charged with homicide in connection with the death of a 10-year-old girl in their care, East Pennsboro Township Police announced on Wednesday, Aug. 21.  Russell Moore, 56, of West Fairview (according to the court records, Enola according to the police), and Angela Marie Donmoyer, 51, of Enola were the caretakers of a 10-year-old girl when she died in Aug. 2021, as detailed in the release.  They've both been charged with Criminal Homicide and Felony Endangering the Welfare of Children, the police said and court records confirmed.  After their preliminary arraig…
Coroner IDs 10-Year-Old Boy Drowned While Kayaking In Yellow Breeches Creek Coroner IDs 10-Year-Old Boy Drowned While Kayaking In Yellow Breeches Creek
Coroner IDs 10-Year-Old Boy Drowned While Kayaking In Yellow Breeches Creek On Wednesday, Aug. 14 a coroner was called to the area of search for a 10-year-old boy who went missing while kayaking in Yellow Breeches Creek – which became a recovery mission to retrieve his body on Monday, Aug. 12, the Fairview Township Fire Department announced. Matthew Coffroth Jr.'s body was found shortly after 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to the York County Coroner's office.  "He had been kayaking with family and friends on the creek when he fell out of his kayak and went under the water, never resurfacing," as stated in the coroner's release. His body w…
Cinema Flooded, Warehouse Ripped Open, Church Destroyed When Debby Crossed Harrisburg (PHOTOS) Cinema Flooded, Warehouse Ripped Open, Church Destroyed When Debby Crossed Harrisburg (PHOTOS)
Cinema Flooded, Warehouse Ripped Open, Church Destroyed When Debby Crossed Harrisburg (Photos) A cinema, a warehouse, and a church in the Harrisburg area have all closed after suffering severe damage due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby as it made its way across Pennsylvania.  Central Pennsylvania was hit hard by heavy rain and high winds on Thursday, Aug. 8.  The Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church located in the 2200 block of Derry Street had its roof blown off as the storm came through.  A note from our HBIC staff in the wake of today's storm: "Good morning, HBIC family, By now, you may have seen the... Posted by Harrisburg BIC Church on Friday, August 9, 2024 The …
Tornado Watch Shifts, Now Covers These Counties Across NJ, PA As Debby Creeps In Tornado Watch Shifts, Now Covers These Counties Across NJ, PA As Debby Creeps In
Tornado Watch Shifts, Now Covers These Counties Across NJ, PA As Debby Creeps In The National Weather Service has shifted its tornado watch across New Jersey and Pennsylvania as Hurricane Debby creeps in. In New Jersey, the tornado watch is in effect through 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 and covers Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties in North Jersey. In Pennsylvania, the tornado watch is issued in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, and Bucks counties. The tornado threat for South Jersey has diminished since the initial watch was issued early Friday morning, which has since been canceled. AccuWeather Th…
Cumberland County Prison Inmate Who Escaped Work Release Captured: Sheriff Cumberland County Prison Inmate Who Escaped Work Release Captured: Sheriff
Cumberland County Prison Inmate Who Escaped Work Release Captured: Sheriff A convicted felon who was wanted after escaping prison while on work release has been captured, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday, July 17.  Karl Glen Zimmerman, 62 of Carlisle, was taken into custody in Cambria County by Jackson Township Police, officials told us.  He had "walked away from the Cumberland County Prison Work Release Center" around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, as detailed in the original release. He told officials "he was going to Orientation at work and never showed up," as stated in the release. He was most recently serving a sente…
Fundraiser Launched For Family Of Cumberland County PIO, Firefighter Fundraiser Launched For Family Of Cumberland County PIO, Firefighter
Fundraiser Launched For Family Of Cumberland County PIO, Firefighter A Pennsylvania firefighter of over 50 years has died, according to his family and friends. John Bruetsch, 65, a New Cumberland native living in Enola, passed away on June 9, his sister Karen Blazina announced on Facebook. In her post she wrote the following: "Today I lost my younger brother. Unexpected that the man, the husband, the father, the grandfather, the brother, the uncle, the fireman, the PIO for Cumberland County answered his last call on earth. He is loved and will be missed. You fought a great fight John Bruetsch ....peace." He passed away at  Penn State Holy Spirit Hospit…
Inmate With 2 Former Identities Murdered In SCI Camp Hill Inmate With 2 Former Identities Murdered In SCI Camp Hill
Inmate With 2 Former Identities Murdered In SCI Camp Hill An inmate —  with two previous names and a lengthy criminal record under all three identities — has been killed by his prison cellmate in the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania State Police, announced on Tuesday night.  Kevin Beattie, 57 of Philadelphia — previously known as Kevin Williams and Bernard Grover — was found unresponsive in his cell on July 2, 2024, according to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Press Secretary Maria Bivens.  Shaquille Tyrin Gibson, 30 of York, his cellmate, is accused of causing numerous injuries to Beattie's…
Carlisle Dad Accused Of Raping, Financially Exploiting Special Needs Person Carlisle Dad Accused Of Raping, Financially Exploiting Special Needs Person
Carlisle Dad Accused Of Raping, Financially Exploiting Special Needs Person A Carlisle dad with a criminal record has been charged in connection with rape and financial exploitation of a care-dependent person, among other charges, according to his social media and a police announcement on June 21. Waren Daniel Mena, 31, was arrested on June 20, "after a multi-month investigation," with the assistance of the Carlisle Borough Police Department, the Middlesex Township Police stated in a release.  Mena has been charged with rape of a mentally disabled person, indecent sexual assault of a person with a mental disability, financial exploitation of a care-dependent p…
'Help:' Text Message Sent By Bleeding Victim Brings Police To Harrowing Scene In PA, Cops Say 'Help:' Text Message Sent By Bleeding Victim Brings Police To Harrowing Scene In PA, Cops Say
'Help:' Text Message Sent By Bleeding Victim Brings Police To Harrowing Scene In PA, Cops Say "Please help" was the message that police got from a victim in Cumberland County last week, they said. And, they did. New Cumberland police officers worked swiftly to track down the source of the message on May 15, before walking in on Braden King, 60, trying to pull the woman's clothes off without her consent, they said. The bleeding victim told officers she'd been struck in the face and assaulted by King, police said. Police arrived and were able to halt King's "nefarious acts," they said in a release. After an investigation, King was arrested and taken to the Cumberland County Booking …
2 Cumberland County Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: USDOJ 2 Cumberland County Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: USDOJ
2 Cumberland County Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: Usdoj Two Cumberland County men have been indicted on drug and gun trafficking charges, the Middlesex Township Police Department on Tuesday, May 7.  William L. Nalley Jr., 27 of Boiling Springs; and Rafael Orihuela, 22 of Carlisle, were indicted by a federal grand jury "on charges related to the distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearms," the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Wednesday, May 1.  United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam explained the following about the case: "The indictment alleges tha…
Mechanicsburg Church Youth Leader Charged For Sexual Assualt At McDonald’s Mechanicsburg Church Youth Leader Charged For Sexual Assualt At McDonald’s
Mechanicsburg Church Youth Leader Charged For Sexual Assualt At McDonald’s A 76-year-old church volunteer took three youth group members shopping and to lunch at McDonald's and ended up with police storming his home, as detailed in court documents obtained by Daily Voice.  Roy Andrews of the 4900 block Raudabaugh Road in Mechanicsburg was the youth leader for a Hispanic church in Harrisburg called “Iglesia La Fuenta” from 2014 through 2022, the police explained in a release. When attendance at the church declined, Andrews began volunteering his Sundays to drive children to a sister church in Mechanicsburg, according to the affidavit of probable cause.&nbs…
Newville Borough Manager Accused Of Violating Criminal Finance Laws Newville Borough Manager Accused Of Violating Criminal Finance Laws
Newville Borough Manager Accused Of Violating Criminal Finance Laws The Newville Borough Manager for over 28 years has been charged with numerous felonies for allegedly criminally violating Pennsylvania finance laws, Cumberland County District Attorney Seán M. McCormack announced on Tuesday afternoon. Fred Andrew Potzer is accused of "financial gymnastics" by manipulating the Newville Borough books to use funds from the Newville Water and Sewer Authority to pay for local projects, the DA explained at a press conference.  Potzer has been charged with the following according to the DA and court documents: Felony Tampering With Public Record/Inform…
2 Hospitalized After Cumberland County Sheriff's Vehicle Strikes SUV Head-On, State Police Say 2 Hospitalized After Cumberland County Sheriff's Vehicle Strikes SUV Head-On, State Police Say
2 Hospitalized After Cumberland County Sheriff's Vehicle Strikes SUV Head-On, State Police Say A Cumberland County Sheriff's vehicle with lights and sirens was in a head-on crash while heading to a call – sending two people to the hospital, Pennsylvania State Police announced on Tuesday, April 16. The sheriff's vehicle was going west along West Trindle Road, just past the intersection with Horners Road in  South Middleton Township, when it struck a Honda SUV at 6:03 p.m. on Monday, April 15, according to state police. Investigators explained that the sheriff's vehicle had "attempted to pass other vehicles westbound. [When it] entered the eastbound lane and struck [the Honda] hea…
‘90 Day Fiance’ PA Barber Conviction Withdrawn Due Juror, Witness Interactions: DA ‘90 Day Fiance’ PA Barber Conviction Withdrawn Due Juror, Witness Interactions: DA
‘90 Day Fiance’ PA Barber Conviction Withdrawn Due Juror, Witness Interactions: DA A former Pennsylvania barber who appeared in "90 Day Fiance” and “90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After?” who was extradited from Florida over six months after he was caught with fentanyl by US Marshals — has had one of his convictions dismissed due to contact between a juror and witness, the Cumberland County District Attorney Seán M. McCormack announced on Friday, March 23, 2024.  Michael Anthony Baltimore, 44 of Carlisle, PA, had been convicted on Feb. 1, 2024, in a domestic violence case from Jan. 7, 2021,  but the charges were dismissed and the case was vacate…
Scottish Man ID'd After Fatal Shot By Officers In Central PA: Coroner Scottish Man ID'd After Fatal Shot By Officers In Central PA: Coroner
Scottish Man ID'd After Fatal Shot By Officers In Central PA: Coroner The person shot dead by police in Central Pennsylvania has been identified as a Scottish man who had allegedly caused a disturbance, the Cumberland County Coroner told Daily Voice on March 18.  Gregor Fleming, 44 of Glasgow, UK, was shot dead in the 5000 block of Erbs Bridge Road in Hampden Township on Thursday, March 7, authorities said.  State police made the following statement about the events that led to the fatal shooting: "During the course of the investigation, the subject of the disturbance displayed a firearm. At that time, the officers discharged their firearms st…
Wanted Felon Who Escaped After 8 Days In Prison Turns Herself In: Cumberland County Sheriff Wanted Felon Who Escaped After 8 Days In Prison Turns Herself In: Cumberland County Sheriff
Wanted Felon Who Escaped After 8 Days In Prison Turns Herself In: Cumberland County Sheriff After just eight days in Pennsylvania prison, a woman escaped, but less than a week later she turned herself in, authorities announced on Friday, March 15.  Timberly Smith, 27 of Duncannon, escaped the Cumberland County Prison during a release for two hours to renew her Pennsylvania ID card at the Carlisle PennDOT Driver License Center located at 950 Walnut Bottom Road on Saturday, according to the county's sheriff's office. Smith had been taken a plea deal for her third felony for driving under the influence of drugs on Jan. 4, 2024, but after two days into her one-year…
Foreign Citizen Who Threatened To Assassinate Joe Biden, Donald Trump Goes To Prison In PA Foreign Citizen Who Threatened To Assassinate Joe Biden, Donald Trump Goes To Prison In PA
Foreign Citizen Who Threatened To Assassinate Joe Biden, Donald Trump Goes To Prison In PA A Somalian man living in Pennsylvania threatened to assassinate President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and now he's in a Pennsylvania Prison, according to a release by the US Department of Justice on March 15, 2024. Mohamed Farah, 34, who was living in Cumberland County, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to three years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, March 13.  Following his release, the Court has also imposed a three-year term of probation.  "The indictment alleges that in January 2022, Farah, who is a citizen of Somalia, threatened to ass…
Pennsylvania Man Who Purchased Human Body Parts On Facebook Sentenced Pennsylvania Man Who Purchased Human Body Parts On Facebook Sentenced
Pennsylvania Man Who Purchased Human Body Parts On Facebook Sentenced A 41-year-old man who purchased human body parts from a woman in Arkansas through Facebook has been sentenced in a Pennsylvania court on Tuesday, March 5.  Jeremy Pauley, originally of Enola, Cumberland County but most recently of Thompson, Susquehanna County, has been sentenced to two years of probation for his role in a national illegal human body parts selling scheme involving a funeral home and the Harvard morgue, as Daily Voice previously reported.  He has been under investigation by local police and the FBI since authorities received a call about "suspicious activi…
22 'Probable' Cases Of Lead Poisoning In PA Linked To Applesauce Recalled By FDA: Officials 22 'Probable' Cases Of Lead Poisoning In PA Linked To Applesauce Recalled By FDA: Officials
22 'Probable' Cases Of Lead Poisoning In PA Linked To Applesauce Recalled By FDA: Officials The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 22 "probable" cases of lead poisoning to federal regulators, a spokesperson told Daily Voice.  The 22 "probable" cases and one "suspected" case are linked to cinnamon applesauce pouches that have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration, DOH said.  The affected products were:  WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches – including three packs Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches FDA officials said Thursday, Feb. 29 that the lead and chromi…