News
June 6, 2025

POLICE LOG

Monongahela

• Jessica Mullen, 30, of McKeesport was charged with two counts of simple assault and harassment stemming from an alleged incident Wednesday, court records state. A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. June 23.

• Dakota Thompson, 20, of Elizabeth was charged with firearms to not be carried without a license stemming from an alleged incident Thursday, court records state. A preliminary hearing before Riazzi is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 16, and Thompson is being held in Allegheny County Jail unable to post a $2,000 bail.

• Tiona Burton, 32, of Pitcam was charged with two counts of criminal trespassing stemming from an alleged incident May 22, court records state.

• Brian William Kucsmas, 44, of McKeesport was charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft from a motor vehicle and three counts of theft by deception stemming from an alleged incident May 28, court records state.

• Lalasia Wheeler, 18, of New Kensington was charged with simple assault stemming from an alleged incident on Wednesday, court records state. A preliminary hearing before Riazzi is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 16.

• Lee Malone, 19, of McKeesport was charged with strangulation stemming from an alleged incident on Wednesday, court records state. A preliminary hearing before Riazzi is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 16.

• Falen Rene Gardner, 22, of Dravosburg was charged with criminal mischief stemming from an alleged incident on May 18, court records state. A preliminary hearing before Riazzi is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 21.

• Ressie Thorn, 52, of New Eagle was charged with DUI and firearm not to be carried without license stemming from an alleged incident March 11, court records state.

Sound of gunshot prompts lockdown
Latest News, Main
MONESSEN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
November 26, 2025
Police investigated and determined there was no danger to the community. Monessen schools temporarily went on a lockdown Tuesday as a precautionary measure after a gunshot was heard in the area. Super...
Holidays mark busy season at McKeesport bakery
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
November 26, 2025
Minerva Bakery, a community favorite for more than a century, is working overtime to make sure Thanksgiving orders are ready. As families in the Mon Valley get ready for Thanksgiving dinner, Minerva B...
EF School District sues insurance company
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
November 26, 2025
The legal action alleges “continued failure” by CM Regent to fund construction work at the high school. The construction drama continues at Elizabeth Forward High School. The school district announced...
Thankful for life’s big — and small — blessings
Latest News, Main
November 26, 2025
By STACY WOLFORD Managing Editor On Thanksgiving, it’s customary to remember all the things that you’re thankful for. Of course, everyone always gives thanks for the big things — family, food, your he...
‘Pass the Turkey’ provides food for EF families
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
November 26, 2025
Organizer Crista Scalfari said they fed 72 families this year. The 11th annual “Pass the Turkey” initiative that feeds K-12 families for Thanksgiving took place Monday at Elizabeth Forward Middle Scho...