Pennsylvania State Police charged a 42-year-old Mayport woman with child endangerment after they say she left a bag of marijuana within reach of two children during a midnight arrest.[1] Troopers from the Punxsutawney barracks charged Nicole M. Steele with two counts of endangering the welfare of children, both first-degree misdemeanors.[1] She was also charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, small-amount marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia possession and a summary harassment count.[1]
Steele called Jefferson County 911 from a home on Pansy Ringgold Road in Ringgold Township about 12:20 a.m. on 12 November.[1] Dispatchers heard a man and Steele yelling before the call ended.[1] Troopers arrived at the residence about 12:27 a.m. and met Steele on the front porch.[1] Trooper Joseph DiPietro wrote in the affidavit that Steele was talking fast and rambling and showed multiple signs of being heavily under the influence of a controlled substance.[1]
Trooper David Blazavich and Corporal Robert Means went inside to check on two juveniles and, police said, saw a plastic bag of marijuana in plain view next to Steele’s wallet, easily accessible to the children.[1] The complaint says troopers noted Steele was unable to properly care for the juveniles because of her impairment.[1] When DiPietro tried to handcuff her, police said, she screamed and pulled her arms away, and troopers placed her on the ground before taking her into custody.[1]
Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock arraigned Steele the same day and set bail at 10 percent of $20,000 monetary.[1] She could not post the amount and remains in the Jefferson County Jail.[1] A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 23 November.[1]
