A Tamaqua man spent some time in prison just before Christmas after he allegedly violated a protection from abuse order issued to his wife.

Patrolman Thomas Rodgers was dispatched to 222 Gay St. at 5:22 a.m. on Dec. 21 for a possible breaking and entering in progress. At the scene he spoke with Barbara Zellner, who said her husband, David Zellner, 42, had smashed his way into the residence through a back door.She also stated she had a protection from abuse (PFA) order that allowed him to be in the home, but banned him from having any alcohol. She suggested he was highly intoxicated and showed the officer the damaged rear door.David Zellner came down the stairs from the second floor with two cell phones in his possession. He admitted one was his wife's, but said he was taking it because he was the one paying the bill. Officers noted several signs of intoxication, including Zellner smelling strongly of alcohol.As he was being arrested Zellner threatened to have Rodgers fired and to kill Barbara.A portable breath test administered at the police station indicated a blood-alcohol level of .15 percent.Zellner was arraigned on charges of violating the PFA. Bail was set at $25,000. Unable to post the 10 percent, he was lodged in the Schuylkill County prison in Pottsville.