Former Pottsville Streets Superintendent Daniel Kelly was granted immediate parole Thursday after pleading guilty to a February domestic violence incident.
Kelly, 70, appeared before Judge William Burke in Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, where he admitted guilt to two counts of simple assault. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a felony aggravated assault charge.
According to court records, Kelly assaulted a woman during a period of heavy drinking in Seltzer. The affidavit states he grabbed the victim by the throat and punched her several times.
When police arrived, Kelly was found passed out in bed. He reportedly asked officers, “What did I do this time?” and admitted, “I thumped the sh** out of her.”
Burke sentenced Kelly to time served to 23½ months in prison. Kelly had been jailed since Feb. 6 and received credit for 162 days already served. While incarcerated, he also completed two inpatient rehab programs — Gaudenzia from April 2-30 and Firetree from May 1-Aug. 6.
Kelly’s release comes with strict conditions. Burke ordered him to avoid contact with the victim and abstain from alcohol.
“If they find alcohol in your system,” Burke told him, “you go across the street.”
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