MOUNT CARMEL - A summary trial for one of the Mount Carmel Area High School varsity football players charged in a Sept. 25 traffic stop near Marion Heights has been continued.
David Meyrick Lamb Jr. was scheduled to appear in Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones' courtroom Thursday, but court staff said the trial was continued until Nov. 22 at the request of arresting officer, Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets Jr.
Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush said that Stamets had another commitment that day, prompting him to ask for the continuation.
Lamb was charged with a summary violation of underage drinking in conjunction with the stop. He had the option of requesting a trial or pleading guilty to the summary offense and paying fines and costs.
Stamets also charged Jeffrey P. Cooney, 18, of 920 Spruce St., Ashland, and Jacob Kleman, 18, of 1407 Poplar St., Kulpmont, in connection with the same incident.
Cooney is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, one count of driving under the influence of a drug or combination of drugs, one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, underage drinking and driving a vehicle with alcohol in his blood system. The first six charges filed against Cooney are misdemeanors, while the remaining two charges are summaries.
Kleman is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and underage drinking.
Cooney and Kleman are scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings before Jones at 10 a.m. Nov. 30, at which time they can enter guilty pleas, waive the charges to the Court of Common Pleas in Sunbury or request a full hearing involving testimony.
Lamb, Kleman and Cooney were each suspended for two games after the incident occurred, but before the charges were filed. Lamb and Kleman returned to the lineup for the North Schuylkill game on Oct. 16. Cooney is no longer a member of the team due to issues unrelated to the charges.