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Brockton woman sentenced in DUI case

A Schuylkill County judge has imposed a hefty jail sentence on a Brockton woman charged with driving under the influence.

Monica Matula, 32, of Brockton, was charged on May 25, 2013, by Tamaqua police with driving under the influence, making improper turns and failing to signal. Judge Jacqueline Russell sentenced her to serve one to five years in the county prison, pay a $2,500 fine, have her license suspended for 18 months, perform 20 hours of community service, complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School program, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, and pay courts costs and fees. She'll be eligible for work release, and then a prerelease program.According to police, officers were monitoring traffic in the area of the Five Points intersection at 1:08 a.m. that day when a white Jeep, traveling very slowly, entered the straight through lane at the intersection. When the light turned green, the Jeep swerved into the turn lane, cutting off another vehicle, then headed north on Mauch Chunk Street, traveling approximately 5 mph.The officer stopped the Jeep and determined the driver to be Matula, then of 209 W. Abbott St., Lansford. Matula appeared intoxicated, with slurred speech, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol about her. She was given, and failed, several field sobriety tests. She refused to submit to blood tests.Judge D. Michael Stine agreed to admit four local people into the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program. If they successfully complete the program, their records will be expunged.Leah Rehal, 21, of Hazleton, was charged on Sept. 20, 2013, by Rush Township police with possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving. Stine agreed to admit her into the ARD program for one year. She must also pay court costs and fines, and perform 10 hours of community service.Richard Orsulak, 44, of Summit Hill, was charged on June 4, 2013, by Rush Township police with fraud/altering a title, failing to have his vehicle inspected, driving while his license was suspended, fraudulent use or removal of a license plate, and driving without insurance. Stine agreed to admit him into the ARD program for one year. He must also pay court costs and fines, and perform 10 hours of community service.Joseph Bleich, 56, of Milton, Northumberland County, was charged on June 9, 2013, by West Penn Township police with driving under the influence and speeding. Stine agreed to admit him into the ARD program for one year. He must also pay court costs and fines, and perform 10 hours of community service and complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School program.Rose Adamitis, 18, of Quakake, was charged on Jan. 24, 2014, by Rush Township police with theft and receiving stolen property. Stine agreed to admit her into the ARD program for one year. She must also pay restitution of $2,565 to Jen and Richard Beltz, pay court costs and fines, and perform 15 hours of community service.