Two defendants in pending criminal cases, scheduled to go on trial Monday in Carbon County court, instead accepted plea deals with the district attorney’s office and entered guilty pleas.

Christopher Joseph Serina Sr., 63, of Andreas, and formerly of Lansford, pleaded to one count of persistent disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor 3.

In exchange for the plea charges of terroristic threats, a misdemeanor 1, and harassment, a misdemeanor 3, were dropped.

Serina was arrested for an incident on Dec. 21, 2017, on West Ridge Street in Lansford. Police were dispatched to the scene for a person yelling and causing a disturbance.

On scene, officers found Serina yelling threats at his brother.

Judge Joseph J. Matika accepted the plea and per an agreement with the commonwealth, placed Serina on probation for six months and ordered he get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment and have no contact with his brother.

Bruce L. Smith Jr., 37, of Tamaqua, pleaded to one count of simple assault, for an incident on March 22, 2020, in Lansford. In exchange for the plea the commonwealth dropped a felony 1 count of aggravated assault - attempts to cause serious bodily harm or causes injury with extreme indifference.

The incident involved a female. There is also a custody matter.

President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II accepted the plea and placed Smith on probation for a year and ordered he get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations, have no contact with the victim except in custody relations. It was noted the female and Smith have a 2-year-old son.

Both defendants must also pay court costs of over $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation.