Ashland Man Charged in Robbery Incident, Remains in Schuylkill County Prison

An Ashland man is facing multiple charges after allegedly forcefully taking a woman’s cell phone during a dispute earlier this month.
According to court documents filed by Ashland Police Officer Daniel Weikel, the incident occurred on the morning of June 5, 2025, at a residence on Chestnut Street. Police say William J. Smith Jr., 43, entered the home and accused a woman there of stealing his wife’s phone. Despite the woman denying the claim and holding her own phone at the time, Smith allegedly grabbed the device from her by force and left the property.

The victim and her father reportedly made several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the phone from Smith. Another witness at the scene also confirmed the incident to police. The stolen phone was identified as a Samsung Galaxy A32, valued at approximately $50.

As a result of the investigation, Smith was charged on June 17, 2025, with the following offenses:

• Robbery – Taking property from another by force (Felony 3)
• Theft by unlawful taking of movable property (Misdemeanor 2)
• Receiving stolen property (Misdemeanor 2)

Smith was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Tarantelli, who set bail at $10,000 straight cash. Smith was unable to post bail and remains incarcerated at Schuylkill County Prison.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2025, before Judge Tarantelli.