Defendants appearing before District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua, last week all elected to waive their right to a preliminary hearing, paving the way for trials in Schuylkill County court, Pottsville.

Michael Jay Brodie, of 123 W. Blaine St., McAdoo, had two hearings scheduled on charges filed by McAdoo Patrolman Anthony Divirgilio. On May 23, Divirgilio charged Brodie with simple assault and harassment, while on June 21, the charges were making terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.Brodie was released on $5,000 unsecured bail.William John Leslie, 21, of 268 Indiana Ave., Shenandoah, will go to court on charges of DUI of a controlled substance, driving without rear lights. possession of drug paraphernalia and violating the restriction on alcoholic beverages. The charges stem from a July 15 incident and were filed by Coaldale Patrolman Charles Blesse.Leslie was released on his own recognizance.John R. Lesniak, 23, of 19 W. Lehigh St., Summit Hill, also faces trial on DUI related charges. He was charged by Patrolman Blesse on June 2. The charges also include one count of disregarding a traffic lane.Lesniak was released on his own recognizance.Nicholas H. Lambert, 25, of 311 E. Abbott St., Lansford, awaits trial on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, filed by Rush Township Patrolman Scott Cramer. The charges stem from a July 21 incident.Lambert was released on his own recognizance.George Cope, 24, of 461 S. Wyomissing Ave., Shillington, Berks County, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and operating a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker. The charges stem from a July 20 incident and were filed by Rush Township Patrolman Adam Sinton.Cope was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.