Charges Filed in Connection with Mahaffey Deaths

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. announced that charges have been filed against a Patton woman in connection with a motor vehicle crash causing the deaths of two people along state Route 36 in Mahaffey Borough.

Shaw identified the defendant as Bobbi Jo Morgan, 22, of Patton.
 
The criminal complaint filed by Cpl. Douglas Meko of the Pennsylvania state police, Troop M, charges Morgan with: 1) Homicide by Vehicle While DUI, F2, 2 counts; 2) Aggravated Assault by Vehicle While DUI, F2, 2 counts; 3) Homicide by Vehicle, F3, 2 counts; 4) Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, M, 1 count; 5) Involuntary Manslaughter, M1, 2 counts; 6) Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic, Summary, 1 count; 7) Careless Driving, Summary, 1 count; 8) Reckless Driving, Summary, 1 count; 9) Restraint Systems, Summary, 1 count.

An affidavit of probable cause filed with the complaint alleges that Morgan was operating a 1990 Buick LeSabre along SR 36 in Mahaffey Borough on July 25 when her vehicle traveled off the western side of the roadway, striking and killing two pedestrians. Police determined Morgan was returning from an appointment at the methadone clinic located in Lawrence Township. The affidavit states one victim, a 63-year-old female, was pronounced dead at the Clearfield Hospital by Clearfield County Deputy Coroner Michael Polachek. A second victim, identified as a 3-year-old female, was transported to the Punxsutawney Hospital where she was pronounced dead by Dr. John Shaffer. The affidavit further alleges that Morgan was taken to the Punxsutawney Hospital for blood testing after a state police drug recognition expert determined Morgan was incapable of safe driving. 

Morgan was arraigned by District Magisterial Judge James Hawkins. Bail was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 31.

Shaw stated, "This case is extremely troubling. Every effort will be made to identify and prosecute those who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs". Shaw pointed out that "the establishment of a methadone clinic in our community has created an unacceptable situation where these types of senseless deaths occur". Shaw reported that he has been in contact with local legislative officials to pursue legislative avenues of correcting the dangers associated with current regulations governing the operations of methadone clinics.

A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.