A Schuylkill County man was given a chance to get out of jail Monday after a magistrate judge granted him bail following an alleged violent interaction with a man he accused of sleeping with his wife and stalling on a taxidermy job.
However, Judge James Reiley put strict conditions on his bail and urged him to take advantage of services available to military veterans as his case progresses.
Robert Bixler, 54, of Klingerstown, had been in Schuylkill County Prison after being denied bail after he was arrested in Upper Mahantongo Township on June 21. He was original charged with a felony count of aggravated assault and carrying a firearm without a license, as well as misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, alongside summary offenses of harassment and disorderly conduct.
The Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office agreed to drop the aggravated assault charge and downgraded the felony gun charge to a misdemeanor.
Police say the charges stem from a Sunday afternoon confrontation in Upper Mahantongo Township over incomplete taxidermy work and accusations of a two-year affair. Bixler was operating a utility terrain vehicle when he spotted the victim driving past and followed him to a Vista Road property.
Bixler approached the victim, who was sitting on a back porch, to return a set of antlers. While holding a can of beer, Bixler accused the man of sleeping with his wife and stated the man was afraid. When the victim denied being afraid, Bixler threw the beer in his face and attempted to punch him.
The victim blocked the strike and knocked Bixler to the ground. As Bixler stood up, a witness reported he shouted an expletive and reached for his right pocket, where a 9mm Taurus pistol was visible. The victim grabbed Bixler from behind, disarmed him, and handed the firearm to the witness.
Following a further struggle where the victim knocked Bixler down multiple times in self-defense, Bixler left the property.
Police later located Bixler at his Kopp Road residence, where a juvenile witness overheard him arguing with his wife about the alleged infidelity. Bixler’s wife confirmed the details of the incident to police. Bixler, who sustained scrapes and cuts during the fight, admitted to the physical altercation and told officers the victim took his gun. Troopers seized the pistol and determined Bixler’s concealed carry permit expired in January 2025.
At his preliminary hearing on Monday, Bixler waived the amended set of charges to Schuylkill County Court. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bench argued that if Bixler were granted bail, based on the nature of the alleged offenses, it be set at $250,000. Bixler’s attorney, James Conville, asked Reiley to set bail at 10% of $10,000. Reiley ultimately set bail at 10% of $25,000. Bixler posted bail on Monday.
In setting bail, Reiley also ordered Bixler to immediately report to Schuylkill County Adult Probation after posting and report to them weekly as his case progresses through the Court of Common Pleas. He also ordered a drug and alcohol as well as a mental health evaluation and told Bixler to stay away from the victim and their family. Reiley also said Bixler can not purchase, possess, or procure any firearms while the charges against him are pending.
“There’s some serious charges here,” the judge said.
After learning that Bixler was a US Army veteran, Reiley told Bixler that Schuylkill County has a Wellness Court with a veteran’s track included. He told Bixler about a relative who greatly benefitted from services made available by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
“You served our country I want to make sure you take full advantage of the benefits,” Reiley said.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...