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WEST PITTSTON — A man from Harding threatened a district judge by pledging he would return to the courtroom with a firearm on Wednesday, according to charges filed.

West Pittston police arrested Harry Yaletsko, 71, after he allegedly made the threat directed at District Judge Joseph Carmody after a court proceeding ended at about 10:12 a.m.

Carmody presided over a summary hearing on a harassment charge filed against Yaletsko.

During the hearing, Carmody advised Yaletsko about his language in the courtroom. After testimony ended, Carmody found Yaletsko guilty of harassment, a summary that was filed against him on Dec. 7.

Yaletsko allegedly looked at Carmody and stated, “I’m just going to have to get my 44 magnum,” according to the criminal complaint.

Carmody looked at Yaletsko, asking, “Are you threatening me, because I just took that as a threat.”

Officer Joseph DeMark, who was in the courtroom, arrested Yaletsko on the alleged threat.

Yaletsko, of Yaletsko Lane, was arraigned on charges of terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $250,000 bail.

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By Ed Lewis

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