Police: Attorney chained pregnant girlfriend to couch

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SANKERTOWN - A well-known area defense attorney is accused of chaining his pregnant girlfriend to a couch for more than seven hours after a fight.

State police said Mark Zearfaus, 40, of Cresson used a 31-foot chain and padlocks to keep his 28-year-old girlfriend in her Sankertown apartment, allegedly chaining her ankle to the couch after a physical confrontation.

According to state police in Ebensburg, the pair had an argument in the Sankertown apartment, prompting Zearfaus to leave and return with the chain and two padlocks.

She was left alone in the apartment without a phone for more than seven hours before a neighbor heard her cries for help about 5:30 p.m. Friday, police said.

Zearfaus currently faces charges of simple assault and false imprisonment from the incident.

Zearfaus, a former Blair County assistant public defender, has a private law practice in Altoona.

He has worked in Cambria and Blair counties for years, representing clients - including his girlfriend - charged with various criminal acts.

He has an unlisted home number and could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Mirror Staff Writer David Hurst is at 946-7457.