Pottstown Area Police to Increase DUI Enforcement During Thanksgiving

Issue #160

22 Nov

In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Huge List Of Events This Coming Week in the Pottstown Area!

🌤️ Pottstown PA Weather

 🤣 Comedy Legend Dom Irrera Headlines Stand-up Show at SoulJoel's

👮🏼‍♂️ Pottstown Area Police to Increase DUI Enforcement During Thanksgiving

 🛍️ Shop Local Pottstown Event at Sunnybrook Ballroom

 ⚖️ Douglass Township Resident Pleads Guilty in Major Drug Operation Case

⚖️ Ex-Chester County Drama Teacher Sentenced to State Prison for Sexual Assault

 ⚖️ Safety and Shelter Shortage at Forefront in Pottstown Homeless Lawsuit

 🏀  Garland and Allen Lead Shorthanded Cavaliers to Overtime Win Over 76ers

🏛️ Support Pottstown Local Businesses

Upcoming Local Events 

November 22nd

November 23rd

November 24th

November 25th

November 26th

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Comedy Legend Dom Irrera Headlines Stand-up Show at SoulJoel's

Comedian Dom Irrera and other comedians including Chris Coccia, Eleanor Kerrigan, Jimmy Shubert, and Steve Rinaldi will be performing stand-up comedy at SoulJoel's inside SunnyBrook on Wednesday, November 22nd. The show starts at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $35. SoulJoel's is located at 50 Sunnybrook Road in Pottstown, PA.

You can grab tickets here!

Dom Irrera is an acclaimed stand-up comedian who has had numerous comedy specials on HBO and Showtime. He has made multiple appearances on late night shows like The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman. Irrera has also had acting roles in shows like Seinfeld and films such as The Big Lebowski. The comedy performance will feature Dom along with the other comedians doing their stand-up routines.

Pottstown Area Police to Increase DUI Enforcement During Thanksgiving

In the Pottstown area, police departments are ramping up efforts to enforce DUI and alcohol-related laws during the Thanksgiving holiday period. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to curb DUI-related accidents, comes in response to the high incidence of impaired driving during this time, notably Thanksgiving, which has the highest rate of DUI crashes among major holidays.

The enforcement, led by a team known as “Team DUI,” will focus on all liquor law violations, including underage drinking and the illegal purchase of alcohol by minors. The police emphasize the importance of responsible behavior during family gatherings and holiday parties, advising against driving under the influence of alcohol. They recommend planning ahead for transportation, such as arranging a designated driver or planning to stay overnight, to ensure safety for all road users.

Shop Local This Saturday: Diverse Vendors Gather at Historic SunnyBrook Ballroom for Small Business Event

Shop Small Business Saturday at the Historic SunnyBrook Ballroom offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of local small businesses. The first 200 shoppers can receive a tote bag from SoulJoel’s or Tri County Area Federal Credit Union, and there are more door prizes to be announced. The event is free for everyone, running from 11 am to 5 pm.

This event is a great opportunity to support local businesses and find unique holiday gifts.

Douglass Township Resident Pleads Guilty in Major Drug Operation Case

Wiliam Theodore Oxenford, 40, of Douglass Township has entered a guilty plea to felony drug trafficking charges. He’s acknowledged his involvement in the distribution of cocaine, specifically 80 grams, during incidents between March and April 2022. The plea was entered before Judge Steven T. O'Neill in the Montgomery County Court.

The sentencing of Oxenford has been postponed, pending a thorough background investigation, including assessments related to drugs and alcohol. Although Oxenford could face a maximum prison sentence of 5 to 12 years, the application of state sentencing guidelines might result in a lighter sentence. Currently, he remains out on bail, awaiting the sentencing hearing.

This case unfolded when authorities received a tip in March 2022 about Oxenford's illegal activities. Investigations led detectives to conclude that he was operating a drug ring from his home. In April, upon executing a search warrant at his residence, law enforcement officials seized a significant amount of marijuana, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

During interrogation, Oxenford confessed to his role in drug trafficking, using the seized items to facilitate his operations. Additional charges related to marijuana and other controlled substances are expected to be dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to the cocaine trafficking charge.

Ex-Chester County Drama Teacher Sentenced to State Prison for
Sexual Assault

A former drama teacher at a Chester County charter school in Pennsylvania, Seth Reich, was sentenced to state prison for sexual assault involving former students. Judge Analisa Sondergaard imposed a three to ten-year sentence on Reich, despite his acquittal on charges related to the younger of two victims. The sentencing followed testimonies from the victims and Reich's expression of remorse.

Reich's attorney had requested a lighter sentence, citing his client's mental health issues and efforts at rehabilitation. However, the judge emphasized the seriousness of Reich's assault on the older victim, including providing her alcohol and manipulating her into believing the assault was her fault. The incident occurred in a hotel room in August 2019, where Reich, then 42, assaulted the 19-year-old after serving her alcohol.

At trial, Reich was found guilty of sexual assault, indecent assault, simple assault, and furnishing liquor to a minor, with concurrent penalties imposed for these charges. The prosecution, led by Chief Deputy District Attorney Erin O’Brien, had sought a harsher sentence, citing the need to protect the community from Reich's behavior.

Reich's defense highlighted his engagement in therapy for mental health problems, including bipolar disorder and sex addiction, and his efforts to amend his personal relationships. Despite these efforts, the judge upheld the sentence focusing primarily on the sexual assault charge.

Reich also faces charges in Delaware for a separate incident involving a sexual encounter with the younger victim, which is still pending.

Safety and Shelter Shortage at Forefront in Pottstown
Homeless Lawsuit

Lady Justice background.

A federal lawsuit aimed at stopping the clearing of a homeless encampment in Pottstown concluded with a two-day hearing in Philadelphia. Judge Mia R. Perez heard testimonies from homeless individuals, advocates, and Pottstown borough officials at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse.

The lawsuit was filed against Pottstown borough's decision to clear an encampment between Route 100 and Route 422, affecting an estimated 22-30 individuals. The borough had issued notices in early October, giving residents until December 1 to vacate.

Community Justice Project and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, representing the plaintiffs, argued that the residents had no choice but to live in these conditions. Testimonies from individuals like Daniel Wanner, a 44-year-old resident of the encampment, highlighted the lack of viable shelter options and the difficulties faced by the homeless.

Defense attorney Andrew M. Ronagus argued that staying on the property posed inherent dangers and was a liability issue for the borough. Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller and Police Chief Michael Markovich emphasized safety as the primary reason for the move, citing concerns raised by trail users and residents.

Local nonprofits and advocates expressed concerns about the limited capacity and long waitlists for shelters. Beacon of Hope operates a warming center in Pottstown, but faces space limitations, and the closure of the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center in Norristown in June 2022 has exacerbated the situation.

The court's decision, to be issued in writing, will determine the fate of the encampment residents, who face uncertainty and limited options.

SPORTS

Garland and Allen Lead Shorthanded Cavaliers to Overtime Win Over 76ers

76ers

The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite being shorthanded, secured a 122-119 overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA In-Season Tournament. Darius Garland led the team with 32 points, while Jarrett Allen contributed 26 points. The Cavaliers, now with an 8-6 record and 2-1 in the tournament, kept their hopes alive for the Eastern Conference's wild-card berth.

Cleveland, playing without key players Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, and Isaac Okoro, showcased a strong team effort with six players scoring in double figures. They dominated in rebounds and points in the paint.

The 76ers, now at a 10-4 record and 2-2 in the tournament, were eliminated from tournament contention with this loss. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey scored 32 and 30 points, respectively, for Philadelphia.

Cleveland managed to maintain control for most of the game, but the Sixers narrowed the gap, briefly taking a lead late in the game. Key plays in overtime, including an 8-foot hook shot by Allen and crucial free throws by Garland, sealed the victory for the Cavaliers.

Sixers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. is continuing his recovery from a rib injury sustained in an accident and is expected to be reevaluated in a week.

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