A Bernville man is facing misdemeanor charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he provided false information during the investigation of a two-vehicle crash in North Manheim Township last month.
According to court documents filed by Troopers from the Schuylkill Haven barracks, the crash occurred on January 15, 2026, around 7:21 p.m., at the intersection of Chestnut Street (SR 183) and Sweet Arrow Lake Road.
Police were dispatched to the scene for a report of a crash with entrapment. Upon arrival, troopers observed a black Chevrolet Cruze off the roadway just south of R & J Transportation at 326 Chestnut Street. Emergency personnel were already on scene.
Investigators also observed a trash truck with an orange compactor labeled “Dumpster Dudes” that appeared to have struck property belonging to R & J Transportation as well as a utility pole.
The operator of the trash truck was not immediately located. A short time later, George Loy Keller Jr., 54, of Bernville, arrived at the scene and identified himself as the operator of the truck.
According to the affidavit, Keller told police he had walked away from the crash scene because he was scared. However, troopers later reported that a witness informed them Keller was not the person seen exiting the trash truck following the crash.
Police said two witnesses described another individual as the operator. Keller later told troopers that James Ulrich Jr. had actually been driving the vehicle.
Authorities conducted a records check through CLEAN/NCIC, which showed Ulrich’s operating privileges were suspended and that he did not possess a commercial driver’s license.
On February 5, 2026, troopers interviewed Ulrich, who allegedly admitted he was operating the trash truck on SR 183 at the time of the crash. According to police, Ulrich said he had fallen asleep prior to the crash and did not know what happened afterward. He allegedly told investigators that he contacted Keller following the crash and was told to leave the scene because he did not have a valid driver’s license.
As a result of the investigation, Keller has been charged with:
- False Reports – Reported Offense Did Not Occur (18 § 4906 §§ B1), Misdemeanor 2
- Furnishing Authorities With Information Without Knowledge (18 § 4906 §§ B2), Misdemeanor 2
- Obstructing Administration of Law/Other Government Function (18 § 5101), Misdemeanor 2
All charges stem from the January 15, 2026 incident.
Keller is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek on April 14th, 2026 for a preliminary hearing.