SUNBURY - A Mount Carmel man accused of punching a borough policeman, driving drunk twice, stealing a car and laptop computer during the past two years was sentenced Monday afternoon to 2 1/2 to 5 years in a state correctional institution.
Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor imposed the sentence on Craig Gene Lambert, 52, of 325 N. Vine St., after the defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault, resisting arrest, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and two counts of theft involving four criminal complaints.
In addition to the state prison sentence and $3,350 in fines, Lambert will lose his driving privileges for 30 months and must pay an assortment of fees.
His sentencing had been continued three times for various reasons.
Prior to sentencing, Lambert told the court he was very sorry and embarrassed by his criminal acts, and he apologized for the danger he posed to others by driving under the influence of alcohol.
Stole from vehicles
Lambert, who was represented by Attorney Trisha Hoover of Williamsport, was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman Kevin Katch with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and theft from a motor vehicle involving the theft of a portable scanner, construction calculator, a tool belt containing various tools and
testing equipment owned by Edward Fegley, and a Panasonic Touchbook laptop and portable hard drive owned by the Town of Bloomsburg, which is Fegley's employer.
Police said the items were stolen April 5 or April 6 from a vehicle parked in the 200 block of North Hickory Street.
The theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property charges were not prosecuted.
He was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman David Donkochik with a felony of theft by unlawful taking involving movable property for allegedly stealing a vehicle owned by Carl Starkoski Jr., of 123 N. Market St., Mount Carmel, on April 8 from the 200 block of West Railroad Street.
He was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Daniel Politza with receiving stolen property, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under suspension, careless driving and failure to drive in a single lane relating to an April 8 traffic stop on Route 61 near Pete's Pizza. All the charges except DUI were not prosecuted.
Restrained at station
Lambert also was charged by Mount Carmel Patrolman David Donkochik with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Dec. 20, 2010, disturbance in the 200 block of East Fifth Street. The aggravated assault charge was not prosecuted.
According to court documents, police found Lambert passed out in his running vehicle and was taken into custody. At the police station, police said Lambert began making derogatory remarks and obscene gestures. When he was advised that he was going to prison on a probation violation, he became more verbally abusive and punched Donkochik in the chest and chin when the officer tried to place a transport belt on him, police said. Police had to restrain Lambert before he was placed in handcuffs for transport.
Lambert was paroled from county prison March 12, but was recommitted on a parole violation after allegedly stealing Starkoski's car and driving under the influence of alcohol in Mount Carmel Township.