LOCK HAVEN, PA – Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse reported that Britney Hostrander, a 28-year-old from Williamsport, was sentenced on Tuesday to an 84-month term of supervision. The sentencing included nine months in the Clinton County Correctional Facility and six months under house arrest. Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury sentenced Hostrander for one count of Access Device Fraud, two counts of Identity Theft , and two counts of Financial Exploitation of an Older Adult.
The charges were brought against Hostrander after a 76-year-old woman from McElhatten and her 80-year-old husband noticed unusual purchases on their credit cards. Pine Creek Sgt. Denny Gill traced the fraud back to Hostrander, who had used the couple’s credit cards for personal expenses, including vehicle costs and paying off fines in a separate Mifflin County criminal case.
Despite Hostrander’s apology and full restitution before sentencing, along with her request for probation, Judge Salisbury decided on a custodial sentence followed by an extensive supervisory period. Additionally, Hostrander is now barred from any employment involving services to older individuals. It was revealed during the pre-sentence investigation that Hostrander secured employment with another home care company amidst her pending criminal charges.
- Big win hits Warren County as Powerball ticket lands $200K
Warren County Powerball ticket hits $200K prize with Power Play boost
Middletown, PA – A Pennsylvania Lottery retailer in Warren County sold a Powerball ticket worth $200,000 for Saturday’s drawing, according to lottery officials. The ticket was purchased at Trading Post, located at 15910 Route 62 in Limestone Township.
The winning ticket matched four of the five white balls—3, 6, 13, 41, and 65—and the red Powerball 1. With the Power Play option applied, the prize increased from $50,000 to $200,000 after a multiplier of four was drawn.
Lottery officials confirmed the retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket. “Without the $1 Power Play option, the ticket would have been worth $50,000,” the Pennsylvania Lottery stated.
Thousands of additional winners in same drawing
In the same drawing, more than 29,700 other Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball tickets won prizes of varying amounts. This includes more than 6,500 tickets purchased with Power Play and more than 4,200 tickets purchased with Double Play.
“Players should check every ticket, every time,” the Pennsylvania Lottery said, noting that winners are not confirmed until tickets are validated.
Jackpot rolls ahead of next drawing
The Powerball jackpot rolled to an estimated annuity value of $231 million, or $105 million cash, for the next drawing held Monday.
“Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes,” the agency said, adding that retail ticket holders should sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchase.
Key Points
- $200,000 Powerball ticket sold at Trading Post in Warren County
- Power Play multiplier boosted prize from $50,000 to $200,000
- More than 29,700 additional tickets won prizes in same drawing
- Pennsylvania sees five winners share $200K Treasure Hunt jackpot
Pennsylvania Treasure Hunt jackpot splits five ways as players claim shared prize
Middletown, PA – Five Treasure Hunt tickets matched all five numbers drawn Saturday to split a $200,000 jackpot, according to the Pennsylvania Lottery. Each winning ticket is worth $40,000 before applicable withholding.
The winning numbers for the April 4 drawing were 4, 5, 23, 24, and 29. Four of the jackpot-winning tickets were sold at retail locations across Montgomery, York, Washington, and Allegheny counties, while one ticket was purchased online in Chester County.
The Pennsylvania Lottery identified the retail locations as Wawa on Northgate Boulevard in Upper Hanover Township, GIANT on Mount Airy Road in Shrewsbury Borough, Grab-N-Go on Steubenville Pike in Hanover Township, and Sheetz on William Penn Highway in Monroeville Borough.
Winning tickets sold across multiple counties
In addition to the five jackpot winners, more than 69,000 other Treasure Hunt tickets won prizes in the same drawing. “Players should check every ticket, every time,” the Pennsylvania Lottery said.
Lottery officials emphasized that winners are not confirmed until tickets are validated. “Winners are not known until prizes are claimed and tickets are validated,” the agency stated, adding that retail ticket holders should sign the back of their tickets immediately.
Daily game continues statewide
Treasure Hunt drawings are held seven days a week, with ticket sales closing at 1:05 p.m. and results posted shortly after 1:35 p.m. The game has been in operation since May 2007.
“Treasure Hunt winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes,” the Pennsylvania Lottery said. Online winners receive prizes directly in their accounts after processing.
Key Points
- Five tickets split $200,000 Treasure Hunt jackpot from April 4 drawing
- Each winning ticket matched all five numbers to win $40,000
- Winning tickets sold across four counties plus one online player
- Drunk driver kills two fire chiefs searching for missing woman in Berks County
DUI driver charged after fatal head-on crash on Route 222 in Richmond Township
Richmond Township, PA – Two fire chiefs were killed Saturday evening while searching for a missing woman when a suspected impaired driver crashed head-on into their utility vehicle along Route 222, authorities said. The collision, which occurred on the shoulder of the roadway, has left a Pennsylvania fire company in mourning and prompted criminal charges against the driver.
Chief Jeffrey Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick Jr. of the Walnuttown Fire Company were operating a UTV around 6 p.m. as part of an active search effort when they were struck by a Toyota Camry. Both men died from their injuries after the impact.
Driver accused of DUI, fled scene after crash
According to reports, the Camry, driven by a 26-year-old man from New York, swerved onto the shoulder and collided with the UTV. Authorities allege the driver fled the scene following the crash.
Police later arrested both the driver and a female passenger who was also in the vehicle at the time. The driver is now facing DUI and related homicide charges.
Victims were searching for missing woman
The crash occurred while emergency responders were actively searching for a missing woman in the area. Officials confirmed the woman was later located, though further details about her condition were not immediately released.
The Walnuttown Fire Company identified the victims as Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick Jr., noting both men were engaged in service to their community at the time of the incident.
Community mourns loss of two leaders
The deaths have had a significant impact on the local emergency response community, as both men were described as active members of the department.
“The Walnuttown Fire Company mourns the loss of both members,” the department said, noting they died while serving their community.
Key Points
- Two fire chiefs killed in head-on crash on Route 222 in Berks County
- Suspected DUI driver and passenger arrested after fleeing scene
- Victims were searching for missing woman who was later located