Trial for ex-Hazleton cop charged in Kline Twp. explosion case could be postponed until September

Hyun Soo Lee, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·1 min read

POTTSVILLE — The trial for a former Hazleton police officer charged with setting off an explosive in Kline Twp. could be postponed until September, his attorney said Wednesday.

A mistrial was declared March 4 in Schuylkill County Court while Ladell E. Hannon, 33, was being tried on charges stemming from the detonation of an explosive device outside the home of his estranged wife’s boyfriend in December 2021.

At a status conference Wednesday, First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine said that he would be prepared to go to trial June 5; the next term is scheduled for June 3-14.

However, the defendant’s attorney, Mark A. Hinrichs, Center Valley, said that would conflict with other proceedings he has scheduled during that period of time.

After discussing the matter with the attorneys, President Judge Jacqueline L. Russell said that she would schedule another meeting for 3 p.m. May 10, with Hannon appearing in person.

Hinrichs said he would consider requesting a continuance for the trial and then request that the defendant be released on bail, under house arrest, until the following trial term begins in September.

The defendant participated Wednesday via videoconference from Schuylkill County Prison, where he remains in lieu of $1 million bail.

The mistrial was declared in the case because prosecutors had not provided some documents to the defense, according to Hinrichs.