Published April 03. 2017 12:42PM
A couple with addresses in Andreas and Matamoras, Pike County, are facing state prison terms after pleading guilty to criminal charges on Friday in Carbon Count court - both cases stemming from the same incident.
Chelsea Munoz, 24, and Nicholas Joseph Munoz, 27, entered their pleas before Judge Joseph J. Matika.The two were arrested on Aug. 21, 2015, along Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East by Mahoning Township police following a short chase and traffic stop.Nicholas Munoz was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance and entered guilty pleas to driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child. An infant was found in the vehicle.Also with him was his wife, Chelsea, who pleaded to one count of carrying firearms without a license. A handgun was found in the vehicle.Nicholas Munoz was originally charged with 10 criminal counts. Counts of firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a prohibited offensive weapon and two drug counts were dropped in a plea agreement.Matika told Chelsea Munoz, under state sentencing guidelines, and based on her prior record, she faces a minimum term of between 18 to 30 months in prison, which is a state term. Nicholas Munoz was told he faces a minimum of 12 to 18 months in prison on the endangering charge, which is also a state sentence.The two are currently inmates in the Monroe County prison, where they are facing other criminal charges.Matika deferred sentencing and ordered the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report. Sentencing is scheduled for April 20.