YOUNGSTOWN Koliser's friend is seen at bar

The judge warned the young man not to step out of line while on parole.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Frank A. Howley Jr. -- on parole for aiding the man accused of wounding a bar patron and killing a patrolman -- is accused of violating parole by being in a bar over the weekend, police said.
Detective Sgt. Ron Rodway spotted Howley, 23, of North Jackson, walk into Jay Jay's bar on Market Street, reports show. Rodway, knowing that Howley is on parole, called for backup sometime after midnight Saturday.
Rodway entered the bar, confronted Howley and asked him to step outside. The detective asked Howley if he knew being in the bar was a parole violation and Howley said "Yes," according to reports.
At first, Howley said he and his girlfriend were just meeting friends at the bar then leaving but later acknowledged that he "drank a couple of beers" while in Jay Jay's, police said. The officers called to the bar to assist Rodway said in their report that Howley had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, was unsteady walking and also appeared to start to cry.
Police advised Howley that a report of his actions would be sent to the Adult Parole Authority on Belmont Avenue. He was ordered to leave and not return to any bar. He left with his girlfriend.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in Columbus said today that a parole officer told Howley to stay out of bars. Because of the violation, he must report to his parole officer, said Brian Niceswanger, ODRC spokesman.
In July, Howley pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice after a man was shot outside Casaloma Gardens, a bar on Mahoning Avenue. Howley lent his car to Martin L. Koliser Jr. on April 29 after the shooting. About two hours later, Koliser, 30, of Boardman, shot and killed Patrolman Michael T. Hartzell in his cruiser downtown, police said.
Howley received an 18-month prison sentence in July. He was incarcerated from July 11 to Aug. 22 at the Ohio State Penitentiary, then granted judicial release. Howley was placed on probation for five years, during which time he must submit to random alcohol and drug testing.
When Judge James C. Evans, a common pleas judge, granted the early release, he told Howley: "If you step out of line, you're going right back where you just came from."
At the time, Howley said the month he spent in prison was the wake-up call he needed and promised to change his ways if he didn't have to go back.
Jury selection resumed today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for Koliser, who could get the death penalty if convicted. Howley is among four of Koliser's friends expected to testify for the prosecution.