CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) — Two cases against a 73-year-old Sligo man who is accused of exposing his genitals to his neighbors and also snatching the key out of a woman’s lawnmower moved forward in court on Tuesday.
Indecent Exposure Case:
Court documents indicate the following charges against Thomas Rhea Burns, Jr., of Sligo, were waived for court on Tuesday, October 15:
– Indecent Exposure, Misdemeanor 2
– Disorderly Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Misdemeanor 3
– Open Lewdness, Misdemeanor 3
– Harassment – Course of Conduct With No Legitimate Purpose, Summary
The charges have been transferred to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.
These charges stem from an incident that occurred on June 20 at a residence located along State Route 68 in Piney Township, Clarion County.
According to a criminal complaint, around 4:26 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, Trooper Gray, of the Clarion-based State Police, was dispatched to the above-described location for a report of a neighbor walking around outside his residence naked the previous day.
Trooper Gray then met with a known man who reported that his neighbor was walking outside the back of his residence on the previous evening. He said his friend witnessed the neighbor naked outdoors and yelled to him to put clothes on.
Around 7:00 p.m., Trooper Gray met with the neighbor, identified as Thomas Rhea Burns Jr., and spoke to him about the incident.
The complaint notes that Trooper Gray gave Burns a “reasonable warning” to “desist his lewd actions,” but goes on to say that Burns was uncooperative when being warned.
Around 8:15 p.m. the same known complainant called the state police again to report that Burns was standing in a large glass window, facing his residence, naked and exposing his genitals to his wife.
Trooper Gray returned to the victim’s residence. The female victim reported that she was outside her residence letting her pets out when she noticed Burns was standing inside his residence at a large glass window naked and exposing his genitals. The victim went on to state that Burns was waving to her when this occurred, according to the complaint.
The charges were filed against Burns through Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office on Tuesday, June 25.
Bail was set at $2,500.00 unsecured.
Robbery Case:
Court documents indicate the following charges against Burns were held for court on Tuesday, October 15:
– Robbery-Take Property From Other by Force, Felony 3
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
– Harassment — Communicate Lewd, Threatening, Etc. Language, Misdemeanor 3
– Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Misdemeanor 3
The charges have also been transferred to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.
Burns is free on $5,000.00 monetary bail.
According to a criminal complaint, around 4:27 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, Clarion-based State Police received a call from a known victim concerning an incident involving Thomas R. Burns Jr. at her residence in Piney Township, Clarion County.
According to the complaint, the victim reported she was mowing her yard when Burns confronted her and told her to stop mowing.
At that time, Burns allegedly said to the victim: “It’s not yours, it’s all mine, all (expletive) mine,” and then reached in, hit the break on the mower, grabbed the steering wheel, and then grabbed the key.
Burns then attempted to walk away with the key to the mower, according to the complaint.
The complaint notes the victim’s husband confronted Burns, and Burns then threw the key into a high grassy area. The victim’s husband was unable to locate the key following the incident due to the vegetation in the area in which it was thrown.
Burns was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller at on August 11.
