Two former Minersville police officers charged with violating a man’s civil rights during a 2022 traffic stop are scheduled to stand trial December 1, 2026, in federal court in Scranton.
According to an October 13 scheduling order signed by U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, jury selection in the case against Harry Brown and Richard Clink will begin at 9:30 a.m. Trial will begin immediately afterward.
Federal Trial and Pretrial Dates
The proceedings will take place in Courtroom 1 of the William J. Nealon Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 235 North Washington Avenue, Scranton. The judge designated December 1 as a “trial date certain.”
The order granted an unopposed defense request for additional time, with federal prosecutors concurring. According to the filing, the defendants needed more time to address potential pretrial motions and other matters and prepare for trial.
| Proceeding or Deadline | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Pretrial motions and supporting briefs due | |
| Opposing briefs due | |
| Final pretrial conference | , at 9 a.m. |
| Jury selection | , at 9:30 a.m. |
| Trial begins | Immediately after jury selection |
Charge Stems From February 2022 Traffic Stop
Brown and Clink face a federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law stemming from a February 2, 2022, traffic stop in Minersville. Their indictment was announced in October 2024 following an FBI investigation.
As Skook News previously reported, the Minersville Police Department said the officers stopped a vehicle around 9:25 p.m. in the 100 block of Westwood Street for a broken taillight. During the stop, officers learned the driver had an outstanding arrest warrant.
According to the department’s account, Brown and Clink reported that the man exited the vehicle, took a defensive stance and “squared up” with them, requiring substantial force to subdue him.
The driver disputed that account. During the department’s investigation, he alleged that he complied with commands but was subjected to repeated Taser applications, punches, elbow strikes and pepper spray. He also alleged that his head was struck against the pavement and that he lost a tooth.
Internal Investigation Led to FBI Referral
Then-Police Chief Michael Combs and other members of the department began an internal investigation the following day, according to the department’s statement.
Police said an independent video was obtained several weeks later. The department reported that Combs determined Brown and Clink had provided false verbal and written statements during the investigation.
Both officers were removed from active duty and later suspended pending termination proceedings, according to the department. The case was referred to the FBI, whose investigation led to the federal indictment.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.