Former Pottsville Streets Superintendent Charged, Jailed in Alleged Domestic Violence Incident

The former Superintendent of Streets in Pottsville has been jailed and is facing a felony charge in an alleged domestic violence incident earlier this month.

According to an affidavit filed by State Police-Schuylkill Haven, Troopers were called to a home on Center St. in Seltzer City, Norwegian Township, at about 1:15 p.m. on Feb. 6 for an active domestic dispute.

Upon arrival, police say they spoke with the victim of this incident on the front porch of the residence. She said Dan Kelly, 69, had been drinking heavily and became angry with her while she was sitting on a recliner in their living room.

The woman said Kelly then grabbed her by the shirt, tearing it at the collar. Kelly allegedly punched her with his fists and put his hands around her neck area, police say.

The victim told police she’d recently been hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit due to a “brain bleed” and that forcible contact to her head and neck could result in severe bodily injury or death. She also told police that she suffers from seizures that could be exacerbated by similar contact to her head.

Police say they then made contact with Kelly in an upstairs bedroom. They say he was sleeping at the time they made initial contact. When Kelly woke up, he reportedly said, “What did I do?” and then said “I thumped the s*** out of her again.”

Kelly was arraigned on Feb. 6 before District Magistrate Judge David Plachko and charged with aggravated assault, a first-degree felony, and misdemeanors for simple assault and reckless endangerment, and a summary offense of harassment. Plachko set bail at $50,000 and remanded Kelly to Schuylkill County Prison, where he remains. Should Kelly make bail, he must undergo drug and alcohol assessment. 

A preliminary hearing originally scheduled for Tuesday was continued until Feb. 25.

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