Monday, June 13, 2022

Pottsville Man Taken into Custody for Assaulting Woman and Holding Her Captive


A Pottsville man is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison for allegedly assaulting a woman and holding her captive.

According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojciechowsky, on Sunday, June 12th, 2022, around 5:40pm, Pottsville Police investigated a report of a domestic assault in which a 36 yr old Pottsville woman was being held against her will at 217 N. Centre Street Apt. 3A. 

During the response, officers were receiving information through a friend of the woman held captive, who was receiving texts from the victim. Officers secured the perimeter of the residence and made entry to find the woman and assist her in getting out of the apartment and to safety.

The woman then told police that Daniel Mahoney, 33, of Pottsville had been holding her against her will in the apartment for about 4 1/2 hours. She further stated that the incident began when Mahoney began arguing and yelling at her. This then escalated into Mahoney telling her she could not leave. 

Police say each time that she would attempt to leave Mahoney would stop her. This occurred at least three separate times. The woman also reported that Mahoney had struck her, pushed her down and grabbed her by her throat and choked her approximately four separate times. 

The woman further explained that at one point Mahoney took her cell phone in an attempt to prevent her from calling for help. The woman was able to retrieve the phone and contact a friend. 

Police learned that the apartment was equipped with an internal surveillance system, but Mahoney had destroyed the recording device to prevent the use of it as evidence of the incident.

Mahoney was taken into custody after being found hiding in a closet and a search warrant was executed at the home. 

A criminal complaint was prepared by Ptlm. Isaac Souchak charging Mahoney with Strangulation, Unlawful Restraint, Simple Assault, False Imprisonment, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Harassment. 

Mahoney was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker and then committed to the Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.