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SUGAR NOTCH — An 18-year-old man awaiting sentencing for stealing seven bottles of liquor from a tavern was charged Monday night for allegedly smashing a stolen vehicle into a church’s fence.
James Charles Gilmore, 18, of Main Street, Sugar Notch, was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, minor prohibited from operating a vehicle with alcohol in system, consumption of alcohol by a minor, accidents involving damage to property and driving while operating privilege is suspended. He was arraigned by District Judge Fred Pierantoni in Pittston and jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $10,000 bail.
According to arrest and court records, Gilmore pleaded guilty before Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. to burglary and criminal mischief for his role in stealing liquor from Major League Sports Bar, Main Street, Sugar Notch, on Sept. 9. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3. Gilmore is also facing charges of criminal attempt to commit theft and criminal mischief for allegedly smashing a window at S&J Deli, Ashley Street, Ashley, on Oct. 4, and stealing a motorcycle, compact discs and liquor from a garage in the 700 block of Main Street, Sugar Notch, on Oct. 20.
Gilmore was free on bail when he was arrested by Sugar Notch Police Chief Christopher M. Pelchar on Monday.
According to the latest criminal complaint:
Police found a large section of fence outside Holy Family Church, Main Street, damaged on Feb. 9. Paint residue on the fence and oil on the ground led police to a 1997 Ford Taurus that was parked in front of Gilmore’s residence, which is across the street from Holy Family Church.
Police alleged the Ford had damage to its front and was leaking oil. During an interview with police, Gilmore admitted that he was drinking beer and driving the Ford, which slid on ice and struck the fence outside the church.
Several of his friends helped push the Ford off the fence before driving to a secluded area in Sugar Notch where they drank beer, the criminal complaint says.
Police said Gilmore didn’t have permission from the vehicle’s owner to drive the car.