SHAMOKIN - A 25-year-old man accused of threatening to kill his estranged girlfriend and her three children and breaking the nose of her current beau was in a jovial mood Tuesday despite going before a judge on multiple charges that could keep him in prison for a long time.
Christopher M. Clark, 26, of 220 N. Vine St., Shamokin, formerly of Philadelphia, waived to court three criminal complaints containing charges of terroristic threats, burglary, assault and possession of a controlled substance.
The defendant entered the courtroom of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III smiling and exchanging pleasantries with police while handcuffed and wearing a green hoodie and Northumberland County Prison jumpsuit.
After strutting to the judge's bench, Clark told Gembic he was doing alright and wanted to know if he was in court for all three cases or just the incident involving the terroristic threats. Public defender Melissa Norton said all three cases were before the judge, and Clark agreed to waive.
Gembic ordered Clark to appear for plea court Feb. 10 at Northumberland County Courthouse, where he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.
When asked for comment, Clark said, "I did threaten Michelle (Wolfe), but not the kids. I didn't really do anything else but that."
Norton later advised Clark not to make any additional comments to the media.
Gembic wished Clark luck and said, "At least you got Christmas colors on," referencing the green sweatshirt.
Clark is charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with a felony count of terroristic threats and misdemeanors of terroristic threats, stalking and disorderly conduct in connection with incidents that occurred Oct. 29.
He is accused of making approximately 145 cellphone calls to his estranged 30-year-old girlfriend Michelle Wolfe, while she was at a residence in Coal Township. During the phone conversations, Brennan said Clark threatened to kill Wolfe and her children at their respective bus stops.
Other charges
Clark also is charged by Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle with burglary and simple assault for allegedly assaulting Wolfe's current boyfriend, Robert Buettner, at Wolfe's residence at 711 E. Dewart St. Oct. 1. Police said Clark assaulted the victim, who was asleep on a couch, breaking Buettner's nose and causing a concussion that required emergency room treatment at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Patrolman Shane Mowery charged Clark with illegally possessing Focalin XR, a schedule 2 stimulant available by prescription only, April 30 at 711 E. Dewart St.