STRUTHERS Police arrest woman in court for son's trial

If convicted, Robert Meehan faces up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Police arrested a 97-year-old woman on an outstanding warrant when she appeared in municipal court Friday morning to testify on behalf of her son.
Verona C. Meehan was arrested on a warrant issued in 1999 after failing to appear in court for arraignment on charges that she "stored numerous tires on the exterior premises" of the Wilson Street home she shares with her son, Robert, 50.
According to John Sveda, safety services director, Robert Meehan has been charged with storing several unlicensed and inoperable vehicles titled to Mrs. Meehan on the property or on the street in front of their house.
Because she does not have driving privileges, authorities believe Robert Meehan is actually in control of the vehicles, he added.
Robert Meehan's trial, which was to begin Friday, stems from charges filed last September.
Ongoing situation
The problem and complaints from neighbors actually have been ongoing for 12 years, Sveda said. Robert Meehan has been in court more than once, he said, but still has failed to repair or dispose of the vehicles.
"He says they are collector cars, but they are all rusted. One was up on four jack stands, they have flat tires, the hoods are up. They're really just junk," Sveda said.
Struthers' city ordinances prohibit any vehicles from being parked on the street without being moved for more than 72 hours, added Detective Simone Ugolini.
When Robert Meehan brought his mother to municipal court to testify as a witness on his behalf, Judge James R. Lanzo ordered her taken into custody on the outstanding warrant.
She was released after posting $100 bond. Mrs. Meehan will be arraigned Wednesday.
Robert Meehan's trial was postponed until Wednesday. If convicted, he faces up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
kubik@vindy.com