Emlenton Man Accused of ‘Risking Catastrophe’ at Clarion County Jail Waives Hearing

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published December 6, 2017 5:29 am
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SHIPPENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — An Emlenton man facing felony risking catastrophe charges and other related offenses waived his preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

According to court documents, the case against 24-year-old David W. Brandon, of Emlenton, was transferred to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.

Brandon, who was originally behind bars for meth manufacturing, is facing the following new charges:

– Risking Catastrophe, Felony 3
– Institutional Vandalism, Misdemeanor 2
– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2

Brandon remains lodged in the Clarion County Jail on $25,000.00 cash bail.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion County Chief Detective William V. Peck, IV, jail personnel responded to a fire alarm in Brandon’s cell on October 26.

Jail personnel report seeing smoke coming from Brandon’s cell and noticed a night light above the sink was loose. A toilet paper holder in the cell was “black and very hot to touch,” according to the criminal complaint.

Additionally, a burnt candle was found in a toilet paper roll, and one of the cell walls was black from “heat and burning,” the criminal complaint states.

According to the criminal complaint, Brandon told a correctional officer, “I did it all. My celly didn’t do nothing.”

On November 9 around 10:23 a.m. Brandon was interviewed at the Clarion County Jail by Detective Roger E. Wright.

Brandon told Wright that he did “something stupid,” according to the criminal complaint.

Brandon said he was attempting to “make soot which he has sold before in jail for people to use to give tattoos.”

According to the criminal complaint, Brandon said he uses Vasoline and puts it on toilet paper. He then “uses a light, and the toilet paper burns creating soot.”

Brandon told Wright that when he did it this time, the fire alarms went off and that “was new to him.”

Brandon said his cellmate was sleeping at the time of the incident and was not involved.

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