Prothonotary report

Prothonotary Kayla M. Semmel released the statistical report of activities for her office for the month of April 2021.

There were 291 cases started in April with the following breakdown: civil actions, 23; custody, 11; DJ appeal, 8; divorce, 12; Ejectment, 1; license appeal, 1; mortgage foreclosures, 1; name change, 3; protection from abuse, 25; quiet title, 2; tax sale, 2; aud/fin/reports, 1; STIP/WAIV/LIENS, 8; judgments, 156; custody modifications, 22; and writs, 13.

A total of 83 passport applications were processed in April. In addition, a total of 12 renewal applicants sought assistance from the office. Appointments only, and pictures can now be taken in our office.

Total income generated was $27,203.04; prothonotary fees, $21,320.87; custody/divorce fees, $1,650; data processing fees, $3,829.49; interest income, $5.98; PFA surcharge sheriff, $208.70; and PFA surcharge courts, $188.

In addition to the above fees, the office remitted to the county for the remote access fund for remote access fees of $2,700, remitted to the state department of revenue (fees collected on new cases) $3,747.24; and automation fund $960 - money collected for future automation and improvements to the office.

Credit defaults

The following actions were filed by credit companies, or their collection agencies, for alleged defaults on credit card/loan accounts.

Midland Credit Management, Philadelphia, filed the following actions: Gregory Martin, 410 W. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, seeking $3,986.60; Denise Swartz, 231 South St., Lehighton, seeking $2,103.69; Brianne Farrell, 225 Center St., Lehighton, seeking $1,990.78; Gary L. Frey, 115 Bankway, Lehighton, seeking $2,853.18; Sandy Moran, 515 Cypress St., Lehighton, seeking $2,657.95; Dave L. Knauft Jr., 422 Center St., Jim Thorpe, seeking $2,189.19; Anthony Cacace, 20 Syracuse Circle, Albrightsville, seeking $1,268.19; Katherine A. Cressman, 165 Tar Run Road, Lehighton, seeking $2,931.75; Bonnie Dicostanzo, 53 Chapman Circle, Albrightsville, seeking $1,088.67; Shelby Zimmerman, 93 Pocahontas Lane, Albrightsville, seeking $1,394.66; Jazmin L. Wentz, 8 Third Ave., Lehighton, seeking $3,550.11; Amy Burns, 418 Hemlock Trail, Lehighton, seeking $1,772.16; Natalie Shepherdson, 32 Grouse Trail, Albrightsville, seeking $1,661.46; Scott Sanderson, 583 Old Stage Road, Albrightsville, seeking $10,015.45; Allen Krum, 46 Morris Lane, Lehighton, seeking $1,603.08; and Becky Gower, 931 Iron St., Lehighton, seeking $7,500.62.

Cavalry SPV I, Valhalla, New York, filed the following actions: Tammy L. Newhart, 27 W. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, seeking $1,302.81; and David Goss, 203 E. Hazard St., Summit Hill, seeking $2,314.24.

Portfolio Recovery Associates, Norfolk, Virginia, filed an action against Danielle Anthony, 816 Mahoning St., Lehighton, seeking $3,142.14.

Citibank, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, filed an action against Michelle R. Killian, 212 S. Ninth St., Lehighton, seeking $5,876.

Dog attack

Rimanta Brazaite, 93 Chestnut Lane, Jim Thorpe, has filed a civil action seeking damages against Michael Tecce, 18 Chestnut Lane, Jim Thorpe, over an alleged attack by a dog.

The suit states on June 4, 2019, the plaintiff was walking on the sidewalk in front of 18 Chestnut St., when “suddenly and without warning or provocation” she was attacked by a dog owned by the defendant. The suit alleges it was a prolonged attack in which the plaintiff suffered “severe and debilitating injuries.”

Negligence is alleged against the defendant and sought are damages in excess of $50,000.