Todd Anthony Eachus, 63, of Drums, Luzerne County, was charged by Kline Township Police with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of resisting arrest, one count of disrupting a meeting, and one count of disorderly conduct following the June 30 incident at the McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary School.
Eachus served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1999 to 2010, representing the 116th Legislative District, and served as House Majority Leader from 2007 until 2010.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Kline Township Detective Paul Bowman and Officer Christopher Daynorowicz were assigned to provide security during the planning commission hearing.
Police said Eachus approached the podium during the public comment portion of the meeting and identified himself as a resident of Butler Township. However, due to previously publicized rules of decorum, Planning Commission Chairman Henry Charles Matthews had limited public comment to residents and property owners of Kline Township. As a result, Matthews immediately gavels Eachus down and did not permit him to speak.
Investigators allege Eachus became increasingly loud, yelling at members of the commission despite repeated warnings from the chairman. After continued disruptions, Matthews requested that he be removed from the meeting.
According to police, when officers attempted to escort Eachus from the meeting, he became physically combative. The affidavit states that Eachus threw several punches, pulled away from officers, and attempted to bite Detective Bowman on his left arm. Hazleton Area School District Police Officer Kevin Ruby, who was also present, and Kline Township Police Chief Justin Farley assisted in taking Eachus into custody.
Police further allege that while officers were attempting to handcuff him, Eachus pulled away and pushed Chief Farley into a water fountain in the hallway. Even after being handcuffed, investigators say he continued struggling, pushing and pulling officers on the sidewalk outside before eventually calming down as officers adjusted his handcuffs and placed him in a patrol vehicle.
The affidavit also states that after arriving at the police station, Chief Farley informed Detective Bowman that Eachus had allegedly told Officer Ruby, "You will have to throw me out," while Ruby was walking to the podium before the confrontation began.
The criminal complaint identifies the alleged victims as Detective Bowman, Officer Daynorowicz, Chief Farley, and Officer Ruby. The aggravated assault charges stem from allegations that Eachus punched, kicked, shoved, and attempted to bite the officers while they were performing their official duties.
Court records show District Judge Edward Tarantelli set bail at $10,000 monetary. Court records indicate that $1,000 cash, representing 10% of the bail amount, was posted on July 1 by a private surety, and Eachus was released pending further proceedings.
A preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for July 8, has been continued to July 15 before District Judge Edward Tarantelli.