Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Promotions of Sergeants, Corporals

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2024

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Promotions of Sergeants, Corporals

The Pennsylvania State Police recognized the promotions of 22 sergeants and 59 corporals during a ceremony on June 21 at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg.
Five employees in the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement were promoted to Enforcement Officer 3 during the ceremony.

Promoted to Sergeant

Sgt. Justin R. Albert is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Albert enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Bryan B. Billger is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, Eastern Section. Sgt. Billger enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2019.
Sgt. Brian D. Cipko is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Cipko enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Timothy C. Cutshaw is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Sgt. Cutshaw enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Ty O. Denk is assigned to the Bureau of Records and Identification. Sgt. Denk enlisted in the State Police in 2008 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Lee S. Dudick Jr. is assigned to Troop R, Dunmore. Sgt. Dudick enlisted in the State Police in 2015 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Shannon M. Eichenseer is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Eichenseer enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Jason C. Everhart is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, System and Process Review Division. Sgt. Everhart enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Christopher R. Higdon is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, Eastern Section. Sgt. Higdon enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2019.
Sgt. Anthony P. Jendrzejewski is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Sgt. Jendrzejewski enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Timothy M. Jeter is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Sgt. Jeter enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Shadi W. Johnson is assigned as commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law, Central Section. Sgt. Johnson enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. David R. Jungling Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, System and Process Review West. Sgt. Jungling enlisted in the State Police in 2002 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Robert E. Minnick Jr. is assigned to the Policy and Legislative Affairs Office. Sgt. Minnick enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Robert P. Naprava Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Sgt. Naprava enlisted in the State Police in 2003 and was promoted to corporal in 2013.
Sgt. Michael P. O’Boyle is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Systems and Process Review Division. Sgt. O’Boyle enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Rebecca L. Parker is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Parker enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Sarah B. Rhinehart is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Rhinehart enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Justin M. Tkacik is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Tkacik enlisted in the State Police in 2005 and was promoted to corporal in 2015.
Sgt. Todd M. Tolan is assigned to Troop H, Harrisburg. Sgt. Tolan enlisted in the State Police in 2004 and was promoted to corporal in 2014.
Sgt. Christopher W. Tomlinson is assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, Mount Airy Casino. Sgt. Tomlinson enlisted in the State Police in 2008 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Carmen F. Yurek is assigned to Troop K, Media. Sgt. Yurek enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.

Promoted to Corporal

Cpl. Kelly N. Abati is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Abati enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jonathan I. Bailey is assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Computer Crimes, Southeast. Cpl. Bailey enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Jaskaran S. Bains is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. Bains enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jacob T. Beers is assigned to Troop C, Clarion. Cpl. Beers enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. William L. Bell III is assigned to Troop J, Embreeville. Cpl. Bell enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Richard M. Bordonaro is assigned to Troop E, Corry. Cpl. Bordonaro enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Michael E. Brenot is assigned to Troop C, Marienville. Cpl. Brenot enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Brittany N. DeCarlo is assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, Harrisburg Regional Laboratory. Cpl. DeCarlo enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Max T. DeLuca is assigned to Troop D, Butler. Cpl. DeLuca enlisted in the State Police in 2007.
Cpl. Scott M. Enedy is assigned to Troop J, York. Cpl. Enedy enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Aaron J. Falcone is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Special Emergency Response Team West. Cpl. Falcone enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Riley M Ferris is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Cpl. Ferris enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Katherine V. Franck is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Cpl. Franck enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Anthony S. Giarrizzo is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. Giarrizzo enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Matthew J. Grasso is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development. Cpl. Grasso enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Cody R. Greenawalt is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Greenawalt enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Gregory S. Gutta Jr. is assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Cpl. Gutta enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Steven J. Hammar is assigned to the Executive Services Office. Cpl. Hammar enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Gregory B. Hays is assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. Cpl. Hays enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Kevin Holford is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Holford enlisted in the State Police in 2006.
Cpl. Jonathan M. Housenick is assigned to Troop H, Gettysburg. Cpl. Housenick enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Christopher P. Isbitski is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Central Canine Unit. Cpl. Isbitski enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Robert F. Jacobs III is assigned to the Bureau of Training and Education. Cpl. Jacobs enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Brian E. Janoski is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Janoski enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Zachary J. Julian is assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. Cpl. Julian enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Travis S. Kauffman is assigned to Troop D, New Castle. Cpl. Kauffman enlisted in the State Police in 2010.
Cpl. Jacob M. Kelliher is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Kelliher enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Matthew D. Klaips is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Canine Section, as a Narcotic Canine Handler assigned to Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Cpl. Klaips enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Cody J. Klinger is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Cpl. Klinger enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Brian J. Knirnschild is assigned to the Hazardous Device and Explosive Section, Bureau Of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Knirnschild enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Cody R. Krahe is assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, Ballistics Section, Erie. Cpl. Krahe enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Katelin L. Kurtz is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development. Cpl. Kurtz enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Alec N. Leiby is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Leiby enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Kelly R. MacIntyre is assigned to the Office of Community Engagement, Heritage Affairs Section, Area IV. Cpl. MacIntyre enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Ian J. MacTavish is assigned to Troop C, Lewis Run. Cpl. MacTavish enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Zachary F. Martini is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Martini enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Eric S. McCleaf is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. McCleaf enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Eileen T. McDermott is assigned to Troop F, Montoursville. Cpl. McDermott enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Andrew T. McWilliams is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. McWilliams enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Shaun G. Milkovich is assigned to Troop D, Kittanning. Cpl. Milkovich enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jared R. Muir is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Muir enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Ross V. Munsee is assigned to Troop C, Punxsutawney. Cpl. Munsee enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Brian V. Noll is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Noll enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Daniel R. Phillips is assigned to Troop L, Schuylkill Haven. Cpl. Phillips enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Daniel W. Poponick is assigned to Troop A, Greensburg. Cpl. Poponick enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Vincent J. Scardilli is assigned to Troop K, CARS Unit. Cpl. Scardilli enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Nicholas Scrivani is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Electronic Surveillance Section. Cpl. Scrivani enlisted in the State Police in 2011.
Cpl. James M. Shearer is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Shearer enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Jeffrey A. Simmons is assigned to Troop, K, Media. Cpl. Simmons enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Peter T. Smith is assigned to Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Cpl. Smith enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Joseph A. Titler is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Titler enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Christopher R. Tobias is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Tobias enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Travis M. Turkalj is assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Cpl. Turkalj enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Richard C. Weinstock is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Weinstock enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Jesse L. Whitman is assigned to Troop F, Emporium. Cpl. Whitman enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. John A. Wood is assigned to Troop E, Erie. Cpl. Wood enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Evan M. Worth is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Southeast Canine. Cpl. Worth enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Jason E. Young is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Western Canine Unit. Cpl. Young enlisted in the State Police in 2005.
Cpl. Ronald M. Ziobro II is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Cpl. Ziobro enlisted in the State Police in 2014.

Promoted to Enforcement Officer 3

Marcus J. Angello is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Special Investigation Unit, Central Section. EO3 Angello enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Eric M. Kaseler Is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office #7, Punxsutawney. EO3 Kaseler enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Kevin D. Klatt Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Special Investigations Unit, Eastern Section. EO3 Klatt enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Ryan M. Melnyk is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office #3, Harrisburg. EO3 Melnyk enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Paul J. Wolfe is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Pittsburgh District Enforcement Office. EO3 Wolfe enlisted with the State Police in 2000.

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Pennsylvania

100 skulls and mummified body parts found in a Pennsylvania grave robbery case, police say | CNN

Published

5 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

100 skulls and mummified body parts found in a Pennsylvania grave robbery case, police say | CNN

AP
—

Bones and skulls visible in the back seat of a car near an abandoned cemetery on Philadelphia’s outskirts led police to a basement filled with body parts, which authorities say were hoarded by a man now accused of stealing about 100 sets of human remains.

Officers say a Tuesday night arrest culminated a monthslong investigation into break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery, where at least 26 mausoleums and vaults had been forced open since early November.

Investigators later searched the Ephrata home and storage unit of Jonathan Christ Gerlach, 34, and reported finding more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos and other skeletal items.

“They were in various states. Some of them were hanging, as it were. Some of them were pieced together, some were just skulls on a shelf,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said.

Most were in the basement, authorities said, and they also recovered jewelry believed to be linked to the graves. In one case, a pacemaker was still attached.

Police say Gerlach targeted mausoleums and underground vaults at the 1855 cemetery. It’s considered the country’s largest abandoned burial ground, according to Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, which helps maintain the 160-acre landmark in Yeadon that’s home to an estimated 150,000 grave sites.

Police had been looking into the string of burglaries when an investigator checked Gerlach’s vehicle plates and found he had been near Yeadon repeatedly during the period when the burglaries occurred. Police say the break-ins centered on sealed vaults and mausoleums containing older burials, which had been smashed open or had stonework damaged to reach the remains inside.

He was arrested as he walked back toward his car with a crowbar, police said, and a burlap bag in which officers found the mummified remains of two small children, three skulls and other bones.

Gerlach told investigators he took about 30 sets of human remains and showed them the graves he stole from, police said.

“Given the enormity of what we are looking at and the sheer, utter lack of reasonable explanation, it’s difficult to say right now, at this juncture, exactly what took place. We’re trying to figure it out,” Rouse told reporters.

Gerlach was charged with 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property, along with multiple counts of desecrating a public monument, desecrating a venerated object, desecrating a historic burial place, burglary, trespassing and theft.

He is jailed on $1 million bond. No lawyer was listed in court records. A message seeking comment was texted to a cellphone linked to him.

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Pennsylvania

Delaware County, Pennsylvania sports field damaged by ATVs, causing thousands of dollars in damages

Published

17 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

Delaware County, Pennsylvania sports field damaged by ATVs, causing thousands of dollars in damages

A sports field at Ridley Municipal Park in Delaware County has been shut down after police say off-road vehicles tore up the grass following a mid-December snowstorm, causing thousands of dollars in damage and threatening spring sports for hundreds of local children.

Ridley Township police say the field is now unsafe and unplayable after individuals illegally drove all-terrain vehicles and a dune buggy across the grass, leaving deep ruts and torn-up turf.

“The issue that we’re having is the field is unplayable now,” Sgt. Mark McKinney, of the Ridley Township Police Department, said.

Police believe the damage happened when the suspects were “joy riding” on the field after snowfall, performing donuts that dug deep grooves into the ground.

“We believe they were joy riding. They did some donuts in the grass, and it dug up some big ruts into the grass, which causes a problem for when the kids have to go back out on the field in the spring,” McKinney said.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help identifying three individuals seen on surveillance video riding ATVs and a dune buggy through Ridley Township streets. Detectives believe they are responsible for an estimated $5,000 to $10,000 in damage to the park field.

Repairing the field will not be quick or simple, police said.

“It’s not just something that you can just go out there and patch right away,” McKinney said. “It’s something that’s going to take time.”

The repair process involves laying new soil, rolling the field and growing new grass — a timeline that could disrupt the upcoming sports season.

“You can’t have the kids on there while the grass is growing or the grass won’t grow,” McKinney said. “So it’s set up quite a bit of a dilemma for us.”

The damage is especially personal for McKinney, who also serves as a coach for Ridley Youth Lacrosse. Fellow coach Matt Flynn said the damaged field is their primary game field, with the season scheduled to begin in less than two months.

“Right now, the field would be unplayable because any kid would turn their ankle in the ruts,” Flynn said.

Flynn added that the situation is frustrating after months of work maintaining the field.

“It’s more disappointment because we work so hard to get that field into good shape, and now we just have to start again and do more work, and then find other fields to play on during the season,” he said.

Township officials are currently gathering repair estimates, but the field will remain closed until it is safe for play.

Police say the suspects could face charges including trespassing and criminal mischief. Anyone who recognizes the individuals seen in the surveillance footage is urged to contact Ridley Township police detectives.

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Pennsylvania

Man charged after over 100 human skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania home – National | Globalnews.ca

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Man charged after over 100 human skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania home – National | Globalnews.ca

A Pennsylvania man has been arrested and is facing more than 500 charges after he was accused of stealing human skulls and “numerous” skeletal remains from an abandoned cemetery on Philadelphia’s outskirts, according to police.

Bones and skulls visible in the back seat of a car near the cemetery led police to the home and storage unit of Jonathan Gerlach, 34, after police had been looking into a string of burglaries.

Investigators checked Gerlach’s licence plates and found that he had been near the cemetery repeatedly during the period when the burglaries occurred.

Officers say the Jan. 6 arrest culminated a months-long investigation into break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery, where at least 26 mausoleums and vaults had been forced open since early November.

After searching Gerlach’s home and storage unit, investigators reported finding more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos and other skeletal items.

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“They were in various states. Some of them were hanging, as it were. Some of them were pieced together, some were just skulls on a shelf,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said.

Most of the findings were in Gerlach’s basement, authorities said. They also recovered jewelry believed to be linked to the graves, and a pacemaker that was still attached.

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“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home. It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, who are trying to figure out if it is, in fact, one of their loved ones,” Rouse added.

Click to play video: 'Human skull found amid Halloween decor in Florida thrift store'

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Human skull found amid Halloween decor in Florida thrift store

Police say Gerlach targeted mausoleums and underground vaults at the cemetery, which was established in 1855. Gerlach was arrested as he walked back toward his car with a crowbar, police said.

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He also had a burlap bag in which officers found the mummified remains of two small children, three skulls and other bones.

Gerlach then told investigators that he took around 30 sets of human remains and showed them the graves he stole from, police said.

Police believe the remains were also taken from other cemeteries in the region. They are investigating the Human Bones and Skull Selling Group on Facebook, where Gerlach was reportedly tagged and pictured holding a skull.

He was charged with 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property, along with multiple counts of desecrating a public monument, desecrating a venerated object, desecrating a historic burial place, burglary, trespassing and theft.

Mount Moriah Cemetery released a statement on its Instagram Stories following Gerlach’s arrest, thanking Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, the Yeadon Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department for “their hard work and dedication to this case.”

“Our team has been working alongside all parties involved and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the investigation. Please direct any specific questions regarding this case to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office,” it said.

“Mount Moriah is the largest abandoned cemetery in the United States. Its historic grounds are cared for by a dedicated group of approximately 12 volunteers who show up week in and week out to preserve this space.”

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Gerlach is being held on $1-million bail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20.

— With files from The Associated Press

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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