New Castle News

Local News

Discussion

November 27, 2009

Chestnut Street residents face burglary charges

New Castle police captured a couple in the process of a break-in on the city’s East Side.

Police were called about 4:30 p.m. Saturday to 617 Oak St. after witnesses reported seeing a male and female kick in the back door and enter the multifamily residence. Police, who were positioned at both the front and back doors, saw the two inside and told them to come out with their hands raised.

Police arrested Frank Gatto III, 27, and his fiancée, Stephanie Jerasa, 27, both of 705 Chestnut St. Officers found a black crowbar in the front pocket of Gatto’s sweatshirt along with a 6-inch pocketknife and 8-inch spring-loaded pocketknife on Jerasa.

Gatto faces four felony charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy/burglary, criminal trespassing and criminal conspiracy/trespassing as well as one count of possessing an instrument of crime.

Jerasa is charged with four felony counts of burglary, criminal conspiracy/burglary, criminal trespassing and criminal conspiracy/trespassing. She also faces one count of possession of a prohibited offensive weapon.

District Judge Jerry Cartwright arraigned the pair Saturday and released them on their own recognizance.

Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lawrence County Central Court.

According to the report, Gatto told police he noticed the vacant house earlier that day and decided to go back to “look around.” He said he discussed the return trip with Jerasa, who would serve as the lookout while he was inside. Gatto told police Jerasa went inside the house to warn him when the police arrived.

Gatto also stated to police that if there was anything in the house worth taking, he would have done so.

Police also interviewed Jerasa who admitted going inside the house to “look around.” Jerasa said she and Gatto returned after they saw people hanging out at the house earlier in the day. She then asked for an attorney and the interview ended.

According to county records, the Oak Street property is owned by Robert Epling of West Penn Properties.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
  • Mitchell.jpg Elected councilman contests disqualification

    A New Castle City Council candidate contends he should not be disqualified from holding office because he is seeking clemency.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ramsey.jpg Dave Ramsey: Proper insurance can transfer risk

    “Dave Says" is a weekly column featuring financial advice from nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. His column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual letters and calls on Ramsey's radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show.”

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • City planning OKs school addition

     The New Castle Planning Commission has recommended a conditional use be granted for a school addition. The New Castle Area School District plans to construct an addition to the Harry W. Lockley Kindergarten Center and create an early learning center.

    February 3, 2012

  • money.jpg Mortgage rates trigger surge in buying, refinancing

    Some sectors of the economy may still be sluggish, but the housing market in Lawrence County isn’t one of them. Mortgage loans, both for refinancing and home purchases, are up significantly in the last several months in the county, according to local banks and real estate agents.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • Brothers.jpg Lori Brothers: Organic is good, but it’s not always necessary

    How often do you have a great conversation with your produce man? I encourage it. I got quite an explanation about how organic veggies are handled. I also found out there are certain guidelines about where they can even be located to be sold as “organic.”

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • Mastrangelo.jpg Our Opinion, Part 2: Mayor’s hiring of his son raises more serious questions

    If you ask New Castle residents to identify the biggest problem in local government, one word will stand out:
    Nepotism. The term, of course, refers to the hiring of one’s relatives for positions, regardless of the fact others are equally — or more — deserving of available positions.

    February 1, 2012 1 Photo 1 Story

  • gavel.jpg Candidates make their pitch to council

    New Castle City Council interviewed nine candidates Tuesday night. The successful candidate will fill the pending vacancy created by the election in November of Gary Mitchell who has felony convictions on his record.

    February 1, 2012 1 Photo

  • Sansone.jpg Our Opinion: Why didn’t council keep Chief Tom Sansone?

    Last week, a majority on city council refused to confirm Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo’s appointment of Tom Sansone to continue as police chief. For the moment, the city has no police chief, and city residents are left to wonder why.

    January 31, 2012 4 Photos

  • Black.jpg Historical society to host slavery story program

    The Works Progress Administration was more than a simple New Deal agency that employed workers to carry out public works projects.

    January 31, 2012 1 Photo

  • Education task force to meet in Grove City

    The Midwestern Local Task Force Right to Education meeting will be Feb. 9. The group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV in Grove City.

    January 31, 2012