A Carbon County man admitted to a drug charge on Monday afternoon in the county court.

He was one of four defendants in pending criminal cases to appear before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II.

Nesquehoning incident

James Joseph Simmons,

28, of Nesquehoning, pleaded to one count of possession of a controlled substance, heroin. In exchange for the plea, a felony count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance was dropped.

Simmons was arrested following a traffic stop by Nesquehoning police on July 30, 2019. Baggies of heroin were found in the vehicle Simmons was driving.

Defense attorney Matthew J. Rapa, said his client fully cooperated with police at the stop, telling them where he got the drugs and what he was going to do with them.

Nanovic said that cooperation was going to save Simmons a prison term. Nanovic said Simmons had the “good fortune” for him that the commonwealth agreed to drop the felony count, considering the defendant had three prior drug convictions.

Nanovic placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment and zero tolerance imposed on drug or alcohol use.

Other pleas

David Robert Chapman Jr.,

44, of Nesquehoning, pleaded to one count each of accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property (hit and run) and driving under suspension, DUI related.

He was arrested on March 2, 2019, by Nesquehoning police who responded to a report of a vehicle into a property along West Railroad Street. The driver fled the scene. Video surveillance led to the arrest of Chapman, who denied any involvement in the incident when first confronted by police.

Nanovic deferred sentencing so Chapman can apply for placement in the house arrest program.

Gregory Weimer,

69, of Perkasie, pleaded to one count of simple assault.

He was arrested by Summit Hill police for a domestic incident on Sept. 3, 2018, at a residence along West Fell Street. Police responded to the scene and were told by the female victim she had been assaulted by Weimer, who pushed her, causing injuries to her shoulder and arm. She was taken to the hospital for treatment. At the time of the incident, Weimer was living with the female.

The victim told the court that she had to undergo extensive treatment for injuries, including surgery. She said she is still receiving treatment. She also said Weimer had never apologized or offered remorse for what he did.

Nanovic asked Weimer if he had anything to say to the victim. He said “no.”

Nanovic placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations and follow any recommendations for treatment, have no contact with the victim and attend and successfully complete an anger management course.

Kieran Gill,

20, of Lansford, pleaded to one count of persistent disorderly conduct. He was arrested on Jan. 5, 2018, by Lansford police, who responded to a report of a disturbance along Springgarden Street. When police arrived, they found Gill in the street engaged in a disturbance with other individuals. In a plea deal with the district attorney’s office, a resisting arrest charge was dropped.

He was placed on probation for six months and ordered to get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations.

Each defendant sentenced must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation/parole.