According to Pottsville Police, officers were dispatched to the courthouse at 401 North 2nd Street on Friday, November 14, 2025, around 10:12 a.m., after a report of a threatening phone call made to the Clerk of Courts Office.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with an employee in the Clerk of Courts Office. The employee told police that 57-year-old Catherine Shearn, of Frackville, a person known to their office from previous contacts, had called regarding expungement matters.
Police say Shearn became upset during the conversation and made the alarming remark:
“All these guns and shootings in Philly and maybe I should just bring them here.”
The employee told officers she was certain the caller was Shearn, citing prior interactions and the fact that Shearn identified herself at the start of the call. She reported feeling fear for her safety after the threat.
Authorities also noted a prior incident involving Shearn on November 10, 2025. According to the Sheriff's Office, Shearn attempted to re-enter the courthouse after business hours and became confrontational when denied access.
During that encounter, Shearn allegedly told the sheriff:
“I hope you get shot,”
“I’ll help whoever does it.”
Both the Sheriff’s Office and Clerk of Courts employees told police that Shearn’s threatening behavior has been an ongoing issue, causing staff to fear for their safety.
Based on statements from victims and corroboration from Sheriff Butler and District Attorney O’Pake, police requested an arrest warrant for Shearn for Terroristic Threats.
After the warrant was issued, officers contacted Shearn and advised her to turn herself in. Police say she initially refused, making multiple subsequent calls about the warrant, but ultimately agreed to come to City Hall.
When Shearn arrived, she was taken into custody without incident.
On-call Magisterial District Judge Andrew Serrina set Shearn’s bail at $10,000, 10%. She was then remanded to Schuylkill County Prison.
Shearn remains in prison with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 24th, 2025 before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley.