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Man sentenced for domestic dispute

HOLLIDAYSBURG — An Altoona man’s incarceration time was extended by 18 to 60 months on Wednesday during his second courtroom sentencing in two days.

Joseph F. Weakland, 40, apologized in court for his actions and advised Blair County Judge Wade Kagarise that he had apologized to his estranged wife and her family members.

“I’m just trying to get myself together,” Weakland said.

A jury in late April convicted Weakland of criminal trespass and terroristic threats while acquitting him on the most serious charge of burglary, in addition to two counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Altoona police filed those charges after investigating a domestic dispute on Feb. 26, 2017, when Weakland and his estranged wife were arguing at her parents’ residence on the 1900 block of Fifth Avenue. Her parents and two children were drawn into the disagreement, with Weakland accused of threatening to shoot the father, to burn down the house and to leave the house with the children.

After Weakland was lured outside, he tried to gain entry to the locked structure, then departed after learning that police were summoned.

Assistant District Attorney Deanne Paul asked Kagarise on Wednesday to recall the victims’ trial testimony when imposing Weakland’s sentence.

“They all indicated that they were traumatized by his behavior,” Paul said. “They clearly feared for their lives.”

Defense attorney Scott N. Pletcher pointed out to Kagarise that while the victims were notified of the sentencing, they didn’t come to court to speak against Weakland.

“He’s still speaking with the family,” Pletcher said, with Weakland nodding in agreement.

Paul later presented a restitution bill of $649.50, requested by the estranged wife’s father for damage to a door and window on the night of the incident. When Kagarise asked if there was an objection, Weakland immediately shook his head no.

Paul recommended minimum incarceration of 24 months in light of Weakland’s lengthy criminal record, including 30 arrests and 17 convictions.

“No reform has been shown … and obviously, he continues to break the law,” she said.

Paul said that on Tuesday night Weakland’s behavior prompted the corrections officers at the Blair County Prison to use force to control him.

The officers used a chemical spray on Weakland, Pletcher said.

No further details on the incident were available.

For Wednesday’s sentencing, nine sheriff deputies were in the courtroom, including six who stood behind the defendant when he was seated and standing.

Kagarise said the sentence imposed was based on the state’s standard sentencing guidelines and Weakland’s poor record while on probation. The judge also specified that Weakland’s prior incarceration cannot be used as credit toward his 18- to 60-month sentence. Prior incarceration time will be credited toward the 24- to 48-month sentence handed down Tuesday for aggravated assault and terroristic threats.

“There’s no double credit,” the judge said.

Kagarise also ordered that the 18- to 60-month sentence begins after Weakland finishes the 24- to 48-month sentence.

Senior Judge Jolene G. Kopriva handed down Weakland’s sentence Tuesday based on convictions rendered during a June trial. In that case, Weakland had gone to UPMC Altoona on April 29, 2017, while recovering from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident that occurred a few hours after the Feb. 26, 2017, domestic dispute. While in the emergency room, Weakland became agitated and threatened a responding police officer.

Weakland, who remains in the county prison, also has additional charges pending in county court, including retaliation against a witness, a firearm violation and a drug sale offense.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.

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