Bad check leads to trucker’s arrest

HONESDALE, PA – State police at Honesdale say a White Mills man unsuccessfully tried to dupe the seller of a truck tractor and the state.

Ted Moser, 47, was arrested by state police on June 7, charged with felony theft by unlawful taking or disposition, misdemeanor tampering with records, plus a summary charge involving transfer of vehicle ownership.

Vehicle fraud investigator Trooper R. Strubeck, charged that in March, Moser agreed to buy David Schure’s International tractor for $15,000. Moser was to pay $2,000 down and the remainder at $375 per week. But Schure, a Hawley resident, has received only $750 from Moser since March, not counting a bad check in the amount of $1,000.

Checking records, police found that Moser had also misrepresented the cost of the vehicle on the state title and temporary registration, listing it as $8,500. Moser was also charged for failing to register the vehicle in a timely manner.

Moser was arraigned, and released on unsecured bail in the amount of $20,000.

Schure is still owed $14,250 and police have seized the vehicle.

Two minors and 19 year-old charged

Police say investigations of some 30 separate vandalism incidents over the past two weeks were resolved on June 3 with the charging of Michael Zielinski, 19, of Hawley, and two juvenile boys, ages 15 and 17.

Incidents included tire slashings, rocks being thrown at cars and houses, and two incidents where explosive “Molotov Cocktails” were thrown at cars. State police at Honesdale say damages incurred in various incidents amounted to $28,000.

Zielinski is charged with felony criminal conspiracy, four counts of felony arson, 14 misdemeanor criminal mischief charges and a dozen other summary violations. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Juvenile petitions were filed against the 17-year-old, listing the same charges as Zielinski’s, while the 15- year-old was charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of criminal mischief, and two summary violations.

Police are asking that anyone with information about Zielinski’s whereabouts contact them at their in-state toll-free number, 866/672-7135.

Strong-arm robbery suspect at large

State police are looking for man who signaled a 43-year-old woman to stop near the intersection of Routes 348 and 590 in Salem Township last Sunday evening, where he then forced his way into her car, robbed her and threatened her life if she did not cooperate.

The man was described as in his late 40s, about 5’6” with a thin build and salt-and-pepper colored hair. He was clean shaven. He made his escape on Route 590 in a four-door, royal blue sedan with primer on both the hood and driver’s door.

Police ask that any motorist who may have passed the scene and witnessed the incident please contact the Honesdale station at 570/253-7126.