Man gets 5 years’ intensive probation

Man gets 5 years’ intensive probation

WARREN

Lawrence A. Molek, 49, of East Liberty Street in Girard was sentenced Monday to five years’ intensive probation for sending threatening messages to the cellphone of Capt. John Norman of the Girard Police Department.

Molek pleaded guilty earlier to felony telecommunications harassment and misdemeanor menacing by stalking.

Judge Peter Kontos of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court warned Molek during his sentencing hearing that if Molek violates his probation, he will get 12 months in prison.

Police said Molek sent “disturbing, harassing and potentially threatening messages” to Norman’s phone. Norman has been acting chief for a few months since the resignation of former chief Jeff Palmer.

Evidence hearing rescheduled to May

WARREN

The evidence-suppression hearing and trial for Russell Lauer III scheduled for next month are rescheduled for May 15. The hearings had to be moved back because Lauer has a new attorney, J. Gerald Ingram, and Ingram will need time to prepare for the hearing and trial.

Lauer, 43, of Route 5 in Cortland is charged with vehicular homicide and failing to stop after an accident in the Feb. 27 death of Brittany Szwedko, 27, who was struck along Ridge Road in Fowler Township.

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