CLEARFIELD – Saying “I’m sorry” meant that a summary harassment charge against a Boggs Township man was withdrawn, but the action came with a warning from Clearfield County Senior Judge John K. Reilly Jr.
Frank A. Norris had been found guilty by Magisterial District Judge Michael Rudella in January for calling Boggs Township Secretary Denise Dobo a lewd name following the township’s regular December meeting.
At the hearing in Rudella’s office, Norris claimed the lewd name was meant not for Dobo but to refer to those who frequent a Philipsburg bar and restaurant.
At the appeal hearing Monday morning, Norris offered his apology.
“Denise, I’m sorry if you thought any of my comments were directed toward you,” he said, adding that he was referring to the supervisors in making the remark.
Boggs Township Supervisor Chairman Bill Dickson spoke with GantDaily by telephone Monday afternoon, saying the supervisors are discussing whether new harassment charges should be filed following Norris’ comments in court.
Reilly cautioned all those present and not present that the court would not be as lenient if a similar situation appears before him again. He said he knows that tempers have flared at Boggs Township meetings.
“Those feelings, however, do not justify criminal behavior,” he said.
Reilly noted that although the count in the case was a summary, the lowest grading for a criminal offense, jail time could have been imposed.
The regular meeting of the Boggs Township Supervisors is Monday at 7 p.m.