MOUNT CARMEL - An Atlas man who has been critical of Mount Carmel Township supervisors about work being conducted at the former Savitski Coal Co. breaker was found guilty Tuesday morning of harassing one of the supervisors and his son.
Joseph D. Chimel, 60, of 146 W. Saylor St., was ordered by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones to pay a fine and costs totaling $453.50 after being found guilty of harassment during a 15-minute summary trial.
Chimel, who represented himself, plans to appeal the decision to the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas in Sunbury within 30 days. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge at the outset of the legal proceeding.
Chimel was cited by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell for harassment in connection with a disturbance that occurred at 1:16 p.m. June 28 outside Turkey Hill Minit Market in Strong.
According to the citation, Chimel is accused of yelling at Mount Carmel Township Supervisor Joseph Zanella and his son, Sean Zanella, a laborer with the township street department. Chimel allegedly stated, "I'll be after you until the day I die." The citation states that Chimel called Sean Zanella a "criminal," and told him he should be ashamed of himself. The defendant also is accused of persisting with his behavior after Joseph Zanella told him twice to "back off."
Both the Zanellas and Chimel testified at Tuesday's trial.
Victims testify
Joseph Zanella said after he and his son arrived at Turkey Hill, Chimel started yelling at them. He said Chimel called both men criminals and was "carrying on like a lunatic." He said Chimel told him and his son that they should both be arrested. Chimel continued his aggressive behavior toward them despite being told to back off, the supervisor testified.
Zanella, who said he didn't appreciate his character being defamed by Chimel, said the defendant told him that he better "watch his back."
Sean Zanella, who didn't know Chimel before the incident, recalled the defendant calling him a criminal and telling him he should be ashamed of himself. Zanella said Chimel threatened him and told him, "I'm going to be after you until the day I die."
Sean Zanella said he told Chimel to mind his own business.
Defendant takes stand
Chimel testified he was outside the store talking to a friend about the former coal breaker, which is being renovated and cleaned up by D. Molesevich and Sons Construction Co., when he spotted Joseph Zanella.
"I told him, everything I said, I meant," the defendant said, presumably discussing his past criticisms. "I was then told to 'f-off' two or three times by Sean Zanella. I was never told to back off by Joseph Zanella. I told him he didn't do his job and should be ashamed of himself."
Chimel denied threatening the Zanellas and said the incident lasted 20 to 30 seconds.
When Jones asked for closing arguments, Campbell said, "The testimony stands alone." Chimel said he had nothing further to add.
'Over the line'
Before issuing his verdict, Jones said he was aware of the problems between Chimel and the township supervisors from reading newspaper articles. But the judge told Chimel, "You stepped over the line this time. You accosted a township supervisor and his son in public and that is uncalled for."
Afterward, Chimel declined comment, but criticized The News-Item's coverage of the case and township meetings.
Meanwhile, Joseph Zanella stated, "The magistrate found the truth." His son offered no comment.
Mount Carmel Township Supervisor Reynold Scicchitano also was in attendance, but reserved comment after the guilty verdict.
Chimel has been critical of the supervisors and Molesevich for what he says are violations of local ordinances and dirty streets and noisy conditions related to work at the breaker. Supervisors have said no ordinances are being violated, and officials with Molesevich and Sons said they've tried to be respectful of neighbors. Also, the company is constructing a new road to keep trucks out of Atlas, and has donated a street sweeper for the township's use.
While Molesevich and Sons was not responsible for the condition of the breaker property, the cleanup work being done has been ordered by the state.