Published: August 27, 2008 10:26 pm         

In brief: PLCB appeals tavern’s license restoration

EBENSBURG – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is appealing a Cambria County judge’s decision to allow Carl’s American House in Johnstown to keep its liquor license.

James Maher, a PLCB attorney, has appealed to the state Commonwealth Court.

At issue is Judge Gerard Long’s ruling in late July that overturned the PLCB’s refusal to issue a new license because of repeated violations of state liquor regulations.

Long said that Carl Costanzo, the owner-operator, had to meet two requirements to keep the license - erect a permanent interior wall to separate an entrance and the bar and use metal wands to check patrons for weapons to secure the premises.

Johnstown attorney David Raho, who represents Costanzo, said that the owner would meet the requirements.

On Wednesday, Raho said that Costanzo will be able to continue to operate the bar pending the outcome of the appeal.

Man sentenced for child porn

EBENSBURG - A Johnstown man was sentenced Wednesday to six to 23 months in the county jail for taking sexually explicit pictures of a young girl, then trying to persuade her not to press charges against him.

David Frieben, 57, of the 400 block of Orange Avenue, also was given an additional five years probation once he’s released from jail.

Judge Norman Krumenacker gave Frieben until noon Sept. 5 to report to the jail. The defendant also was fined $600, plus costs.

He had pleaded guilty in April to child endangerment, corrupting the morals of a minor and witness intimidation.

Prosecutors alleged that Frieben had started taking pictures of the girl in 1998 when she was 11 years old. The incidents continued until she turned 15 in 2002, the prosecution said.

The victim, now an adult, reported the incidents to police in 2007. Frieben then wrote to her begging forgiveness and promising her a car and money if she dropped the case.

State police plan holiday patrols

EBENSBURG – State police said Wednesday that they will be increasing patrols in Cambria County during Labor Day weekend.

Troopers said they will be cracking down on speeding, drunken driving and aggressive driving and will emphasize seat belt use.

Meanwhile, the Blair County DUI Task Force also is planning several operations during the weekend.

     

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