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Frackville Man Charged in Wallet Theft and Unauthorized Credit Card Use

A Frackville man has been charged following an investigation into a stolen wallet and multiple unauthorized credit card transactions, according to Frackville Police. Leonardo Carrasco III, 25, of Frackville, has been charged in connection with an incident reported on December 22, 2025. Police say officers were dispatched to a residence on North Balliet Street to speak with the victim, who reported that she had lost her wallet. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the wallet contained $323 in U.S. currency, two credit cards, and personal identification. The victim told officers that after realizing her wallet was missing, she reviewed her credit card mobile application and discovered three unauthorized transactions. The charges were reportedly made at Anthony’s Pizza, Exxon Mobil, and a local beer distributor known as The Quart House. Investigators obtained receipts from the businesses that matched the unauthorized transactions. At The Quart House, officers spoke with an employee that remembered the individual who made a purchase using the card and said recognized him as someone seen frequently. The cashier indicated the individual lived near South Lehigh Avenue. Police conducted follow-up investigation and obtained photograph identifications of potential individuals. The employee positively identified Leonardo Carrasco as the person who made a $2.75 purchase at The Quart House using the victim’s credit card. Additionally, police say Carrasco was observed on surveillance footage at Exxon Mobil and Anthony’s Pizza wearing the same clothing while making purchases with the same stolen credit card during the same time frame. Based on the investigation, police allege Carrasco unlawfully took and retained the victim’s wallet and used her credit cards without authorization. Carrasco has been charged with the following offenses: Theft of Property Lost, Mislaid, or Delivered by Mistake (M1) Receiving Stolen Property (M1) Three counts of Access Device Issued to Another Who Did Not Authorize Use (M2)

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Frackville Man Charged in Wallet Theft and Unauthorized Credit Card Use
6

Frackville, Saint Clair Awarded Nearly $600,000 for Road and Sidewalk Improvements

Frackville Borough and Saint Clair Borough were recently awarded nearly $600,000 in state funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund to support major roadway and sidewalk improvement projects, according to Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29). The funding will support two infrastructure projects in Schuylkill County communities: Frackville Borough will receive $335,000 for streetscape improvements along North Lehigh Avenue, the busiest street in the borough. The project is part of Frackville’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, which have already received an additional $670,000 in state funding over the past three years to improve sidewalks and streetscapes throughout the borough. Saint Clair Borough will receive $241,611 to resurface Ann Street, one of the borough’s busiest local roadways. Local officials welcomed the funding, highlighting both safety and community enhancement benefits. “We want to thank Rep. Twardzik and Sen. Argall for helping secure this grant for us,” said Patricia Domalakes, president of the Frackville Economic Development Taskforce. “It will give us safer sidewalks on Lehigh Avenue, which we desperately need. Likewise, it will beautify Lehigh Avenue with trees and new lighting and aid in our revitalization efforts for downtown Frackville.” Saint Clair Borough Manager Roland Price said the funding represents a significant investment for the community. “We are pleased to receive this funding for Ann Street improvements,” Price said. “This project represents a major win for our borough and an important investment in our community’s infrastructure and the quality of life and safety of those who live along this busy stretch of road.” State lawmakers also emphasized the broader economic and safety benefits of the projects. “Upgrading our roads and streetscapes strengthens safety, accessibility and local business districts,” Rep. Twardzik said. “I’m proud Schuylkill County communities will see real benefits from this investment, supporting both everyday travel and long-term economic growth.” Sen. Argall added that the funding will help revitalize older downtown areas. “Improved roads and streetscapes are key to breathing new life into our older downtowns,” Argall said. “I am pleased these local communities were awarded this highly sought-after funding to support economic development and improve safety for residents and visitors.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund, created by the General Assembly, provides funding to support projects that encourage economic development and promote a safe, reliable transportation system across Pennsylvania. Funding is approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of the state’s economic development and community improvement programs.

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Frackville, Saint Clair Awarded Nearly $600,000 for Road and Sidewalk Improvements

Frackville Woman Jailed After Alleged Domestic Assault

FRACKVILLE - A Frackville woman is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison following a reported domestic incident on the evening of January 9, 2026, according to Butler Township Police. Police say Briana Lynn Yordy, 33, of Frackville, was charged with Simple Assault (M2) and Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact (Summary) in connection with an altercation at a residence in the 600 block of West Pine Street. According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers were dispatched to the residence at approximately 7:43 p.m. for a reported domestic dispute between a mother and daughter. County dispatch advised that the daughter had allegedly assaulted her mother and later attempted to reenter the home after being outside. Upon arrival, police located Yordy outside near the corner garage of the property at 7th Street and West Pine Street. Officers noted small scratches with dirt on the knuckle side of both of Yordy’s hands. Yordy told police she did not have any injuries and stated the scratches may have occurred inside the home. She also advised officers she had been residing at the residence since November 2025. Police made contact inside the residence with the reported victim, who had visible injuries to the left side of her face. Emergency medical services responded and evaluated the victim at the scene. A second adult and three juvenile children were also present in the home at the time of the incident. According to police, the victim reported that a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation after a disagreement involving a cell phone. The victim alleged she was struck multiple times in the face and head and kicked in the body before another adult intervened and separated the two. Yordy was then asked to leave the residence. The victim further reported that Yordy later attempted to reenter the home, broke a window, and climbed through a bathroom window prior to police arrival. Yordy was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James Reiley in Pottsville and committed to Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post 10 percent of $10,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Frackville Woman Jailed After Alleged Domestic Assault

Megan’s Law Violation: West Mahanoy Police Seek Man Who Failed to Update Address

West Mahanoy Township Police have filed charges against a registered Tier 2 sex offender after authorities say he failed to comply with Pennsylvania Megan’s Law registration requirements. According to court documents, Michael Blanco Jr. is charged with Failing to Verify Address and Be Photographed, a felony offense under state law, following an investigation initiated by the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Unit. Police report that on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, West Mahanoy Township Police received an investigation request from the Megan’s Law Unit in Harrisburg. The request stated that Blanco, who was convicted of Indecent Assault in November 2014, is required to register under Megan’s Law for a period of 25 years as a Tier 2 offender. The investigation revealed that Blanco allegedly failed to report for a required address verification between December 22 and December 31, 2025. Records indicated he was instructed to report to the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Frackville to complete the verification. The Megan’s Law Unit listed Blanco’s last known address as Room 30 at the Budget Inn, located at 115 West Coal Street in Frackville. At approximately 3:00 p.m. on January 6, officers responded to the motel and spoke with the manager, who advised that Blanco had moved out approximately three weeks earlier and reportedly relocated to the Reading area. The manager was unable to provide a forwarding address. A subsequent PennDOT records check listed an address for Blanco at 812 North Queen Street in Lancaster, associated with a driver’s license issued in June 2022. Police noted that no updated address information was available, and efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Blanco is currently wanted in connection with the Megan’s Law violation. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact West Mahanoy Township Police at (570) 462-1991.

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Megan’s Law Violation: West Mahanoy Police Seek Man Who Failed to Update Address

Frackville Man Accused of Choking Victim Unconscious, Pushing Her Down Stairs

A Frackville man has been charged following a reported domestic assault incident investigated by Frackville Police Department. Police say Isaiah Alexavier Marchorro, 20, of Frackville, was charged with felony strangulation, simple assault, and harassment stemming from an incident reported on Sunday, January 4, 2026. According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers received a call at approximately 7:02 p.m. reporting a domestic assault that was no longer in progress. The caller, a friend of the alleged victim, reported being told that the victim had been choked unconscious and pushed down a flight of stairs earlier in the evening at her residence. The caller also stated that prior assaults had occurred, but the victim had been afraid to involve police. Police subsequently made contact with the alleged victim, who confirmed that Marchorro placed both hands around her neck and choked her until she lost consciousness. She further reported being pushed down a flight of stairs, striking her head on the wall and steps. The victim complained of head pain and believed she may have suffered a concussion but declined medical treatment. She also reported abrasions to her elbows and knees caused by being pushed and dragged throughout the residence. Officers later traveled to the victim’s workplace to observe and document injuries. Police reported observing swelling and a contusion on the rear left side of her head, red marks on her neck and hands, and abrasions on both elbows and knees with light bleeding. Based on officer observations and the information provided, Marchorro was charged with one count of strangulation, a felony of the second degree; one count of simple assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree; and one count of harassment. Marchorro was arraigned before Edward Tarantelli and committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bail. Court records indicate he posted bail on Monday and was subsequently released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2026, before Judge Tarantelli.

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Frackville Man Accused of Choking Victim Unconscious, Pushing Her Down Stairs

Frackville Woman Charged After Furniture Illegally Dumped in West Mahanoy Township

A Frackville woman is facing charges for illegal dumping in West Mahanoy Township. According to Township Police, on Friday, December 26, 2025, police were notified of an incident involving the illegal dumping of three pieces of furniture in the Altamont section of the township. With assistance from area residents and a deputy from the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office, police identified the individual responsible as Tina Blackney, 52, of North Broad Mountain Avenue in Frackville Borough. Blackney will face a summary charge of scattering rubbish through Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli's office.  Authorities stated that if the dumped furniture is not removed in a timely manner, Blackney will also be responsible for covering the cost of proper disposal. West Mahanoy Township officials thanked vigilant residents for reporting the incident and assisting law enforcement. This isn't Blackney only run in with law enforcement recently.  She was currently free on bail from an incident on November 13th, 2025 at Walmart in St. Clair.   She is facing the following charges for the previous incident: Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer (F3) Retail Theft – Taking Merchandise (M1) Possession of a Controlled Substance (M) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M) Reckless Driving (S) Careless Driving (S) Disregarding a Traffic Lane (S) Driving at an Unsafe Speed (S) Blackney is accused of retail theft that turned into a vehicle pursuit.  A preliminary hearing for the previous incident is scheduled for January 27th, 2026.

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Frackville Woman Charged After Furniture Illegally Dumped in West Mahanoy Township

Frackville Business and Professional Association Thanks Community After Christmas on the Mountain, Announces $15K Boost for New Lights

The Frackville Business and Professional Association (FBPA) is thanking the community following a strong turnout and fundraising success at “Christmas on the Mountain,” held December 13. According to the FBPA, the event helped generate support for the group’s $65,000 goal to install a new, modern Christmas light display throughout the borough. The association also announced a major boost to the campaign: an anonymous $15,000 “Secret Santa” donation to the Light Fund. “We are thrilled by the incredible generosity of our Secret Santa,” FBPA President Mark Andrewcavage said. “This major donation of $15,000 gives us the confidence and momentum to commit to lighting up Lehigh Avenue with our new displays next year. This is a monumental first step toward our $65,000 goal, and we couldn't have done it without this anonymous act of kindness.” The FBPA also thanked Mahanoy City Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Bowers and his company, Bowers Home Improvement, along with contributors through the Friends of Christmas on the Mountain, for supporting the Light Fund. The association highlighted the many local groups, businesses, and volunteers who helped make the event possible, including: Larry Trakes of Broad Mountain Landscaping, who donated and planted the new community tree Rev. Paul Spotts, who provided the tree blessing St. Joseph the Worker Parish Children’s Choir and the Friends of Frackville Brass Ensemble, who performed during the event The Smarkanic Family, who donated prizes for the Home Decorating Contest winners The FBPA also thanked Frackville Borough for preparing the park, the Frackville Police Department for roadway safety, and the Goodwill Fire Department for providing Santa’s transportation. The FBPA released the following winners: Home Decorating Contest 1st Place: Genis family 2nd Place: Seitzinger family 3rd Place: Miskar family Guardian Bike Raffle Winners Brett Huben Reagan Wasko Food and beverage vendors and contributors included the Good Will Fire Company (bean soup), Spring Street Bakery, Breaker Boy Coffee, Appetite Satisfaction, Rolling Mac, The Bree’s Knees Coffee Truck, the Frackville 150th Anniversary Committee (pierogies/haluski/hot apple cider), and Frackville Brewing Company (samples with Adam Twardzik). The FBPA also recognized vendors and activity sponsors, including local small businesses and supporters who helped provide letters to Santa, face painting, ornament making, reindeer food, an “Elf on the Shelf” activity, s’mores, selfies with Santa, and more. Leiby’s Horse Drawn Carriage Rides were sponsored by the Frackville Elks and the FBPA, and Guardian Bikes donated two bicycles for the raffle. While the FBPA said the Secret Santa donation allows the group to set its sights on Lehigh Avenue for the first phase of the new display, fundraising continues to reach the full $65,000 goal. Residents can support the Light Fund by attending the FBPA’s Mardi Gras Fundraiser on February 21 or by sending donations to: FBPA PO Box 261 Frackville, PA 17931

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Frackville Business and Professional Association Thanks Community After Christmas on the Mountain, Announces $15K Boost for New Lights

Frackville Woman Accused of Leading Police on High-Speed Chase After St. Clair Walmart Theft

A Frackville woman is facing a series of felony and misdemeanor charges after Saint Clair Police say she fled officers during a retail theft investigation and was later found in possession of methamphetamine. Tina Marie Blackney, 51, was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli and committed to the Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail.  She would later post bail on November 18th, 2025 and was released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 25, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko. According to Saint Clair Police, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:25 p.m. on November 13 to Wal-Mart Store #2535 on Terry Rich Boulevard for a retail theft in progress. Dispatchers reported that two females and a male were loading stolen merchandise into a white Hyundai with black rims. Officers were advised that the vehicle had moved behind Dunkin’ Donuts. Minutes later, police spotted a Hyundai matching the description and attempted a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Blackney, refused to stop and sped north onto Route 61, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit with lights and sirens activated. Police say Blackney drove at a high rate of speed onto East Dark Water Road, where she passed another vehicle over a double yellow line. During the chase, the Hyundai briefly stopped, allowing a male passenger to bail out and flee into nearby woods. Frackville Police chased the male while St. Clair Police continued after the fleeing vehicle. The pursuit continued onto West Dark Water Road and West Mount Laffee Road. Officers reported that Blackney drove “carelessly and recklessly with no due regard for the safety of other drivers,” continuing at unsafe speeds before turning onto an unpaved road. There, officers encountered a large cloud of dust as the vehicle came to a stop. Police ordered Blackney out of the car and took her into custody. A female passenger, identified as Brooke Huben, was also detained. Once the scene was secured, St. Clair Police contacted Wal-Mart asset protection, who confirmed that several items had been stolen and placed into a large brown bag in the vehicle. While perishable food items had been paid for, all remaining merchandise had been taken without payment. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Blackney agreed to speak with officers and admitted to concealing stolen items in her personal bag. She gave officers consent to retrieve the bag and search it.  Stolen merchandise recovered included: Orange hunting overalls A “Hello Kitty” box Coloring book Spray paint Air filter Various other items The total value of the stolen goods was $237.29, according to Wal-Mart. During the search, Blackney also admitted she had illegal drugs in a small pink and purple bag. Officers located a yellow glassine bag containing methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe with burnt residue. The suspected meth weighed approximately 0.6 grams and was seized for laboratory testing. Wal-Mart provided officers with a detailed receipt and CCTV footage documenting the theft. Blackney faces the following charges: Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer (F3) Retail Theft – Taking Merchandise (M1) Possession of a Controlled Substance (M) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M) Reckless Driving (S) Careless Driving (S) Disregarding a Traffic Lane (S) Driving at an Unsafe Speed (S) Blackney is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on November 25, where the case will proceed before Judge Plachko.

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Frackville Woman Accused of Leading Police on High-Speed Chase After St. Clair Walmart Theft

Pottsville Police Charge Woman After Threats Made Toward Schuylkill County Courthouse Staff

A Frackville woman is facing charges after police say she made multiple violent threats toward employees at the Schuylkill County Courthouse over the past week, prompting officers to seek an arrest warrant for terroristic threats. According to Pottsville Police, officers were dispatched to the courthouse at 401 North 2nd Street on Friday,  November 14, 2025, around 10:12 a.m., after a report of a threatening phone call made to the Clerk of Courts Office. Upon arrival, officers spoke with an employee in the Clerk of Courts Office. The employee told police that 57-year-old Catherine Shearn, of Frackville, a person known to their office from previous contacts, had called regarding expungement matters. Police say Shearn became upset during the conversation and made the alarming remark: “All these guns and shootings in Philly and maybe I should just bring them here.” The employee told officers she was certain the caller was Shearn, citing prior interactions and the fact that Shearn identified herself at the start of the call. She reported feeling fear for her safety after the threat. Authorities also noted a prior incident involving Shearn on November 10, 2025. According to the Sheriff's Office, Shearn attempted to re-enter the courthouse after business hours and became confrontational when denied access. During that encounter, Shearn allegedly told the sheriff: “I hope you get shot,” “I’ll help whoever does it.” Both the Sheriff’s Office and Clerk of Courts employees told police that Shearn’s threatening behavior has been an ongoing issue, causing staff to fear for their safety. Based on statements from victims and corroboration from Sheriff Butler and District Attorney O’Pake, police requested an arrest warrant for Shearn for Terroristic Threats. After the warrant was issued, officers contacted Shearn and advised her to turn herself in. Police say she initially refused, making multiple subsequent calls about the warrant, but ultimately agreed to come to City Hall. When Shearn arrived, she was taken into custody without incident. On-call Magisterial District Judge Andrew Serrina set Shearn’s bail at $10,000, 10%. She was then remanded to Schuylkill County Prison. Shearn remains in prison with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 24th, 2025 before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley.

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Pottsville Police Charge Woman After Threats Made Toward Schuylkill County Courthouse Staff

Schuylkill County Woman Charged for Having Inappropriate Relationship with Teen

A Minersville woman has been charged following an investigation by Frackville Police into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a juvenile. According to court documents, police filed charges against Tiffany Nicole Fisher, 24, of Minersville, stemming from incidents that began in 2024 and continued into 2025. The investigation began on October 29, 2024, when a concerned parent reported to Frackville Police that an adult woman, identified as Fisher, had allegedly developed an inappropriate relationship with her teenage daughter. Evidence reviewed by investigators included text messages and photos that suggested an ongoing relationship despite previous warnings to cease contact. Police say additional information was later provided through Childline and interviews conducted at the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pennsylvania in June and July 2025. Those interviews, reviewed by authorities, detailed instances of sexual contact and manipulation, leading investigators to conclude there was probable cause to file criminal charges. After review by the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office, Fisher was charged with the following offenses: Two felony counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault – Victim Under 16, One felony count of Corruption of Minors, and One misdemeanor count of Indecent Assault – Person Under 16. Fisher was arraigned on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, by Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer and committed to the Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $10,000 straight cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli.

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Schuylkill County Woman Charged for Having Inappropriate Relationship with Teen