Pocono News Section

Deadly Teen Driver Released

Deadly Teen Driver Released - Monday, June 1, 2009 at 10:00PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Monday, Jun 1, 2009 @ 10:00pm EST

BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- A teenager who faces charges in a deadly accident was back in court Monday. Joseph Puglio was sent to a juvenile detention center when his hearing was put on hold. After a hearing Monday, he's been released.

Judge Scott Naus said, as of now, Puglio isn't guilty of any charges, and therefore, couldn't be kept in juvenile detention any longer. Now, Puglio will be staying with his grandfather.

"The judge had a rational analysis for keeping the young man at his grandfather's house," said Columbia County District Attorney Gary Norton. "There are security measures included with the ankle bracelet system which has a GPS system."

Puglio was sent to Centre County Youth Center on May 22, after Judge Naus learned of an underage drinking citation and speeding tickets while under his mother's watch. The 17-year-old faces homicide by vehicle and reckless driving charges. Police say Puglio was going 98 m. p.h. in a 40 m. p.h. zone along Scotch Valley Drive in Beaver Township. Puglio was driving five other people. They crashed into a cement-block garage, and two passengers -- Steven Geraci and Paul Penkala -- were killed.

"Let's hope the young man stays behaved pending the conclusion of the adjudication hearing," said Norton.

Puglio will be staying with his grandfather, Gary Gallagher of Rock Glen. He has a cattle farm, where he says Puglio will work. Gallagher thinks his grandson learned a lesson after spending ten days behind bars.

"I believe it really woke him up, you know," said Gallagher, who thinks Puglio's release was a good idea. "He listens pretty well."

There is no continuation date set for Puglio's hearing regarding criminal charges in the crash.

"The judge granted time to the juvenile and his defense attorney to consult with experts and determine what evidence they want to present," added Norton. "Now, the ball is in their court."

As for the victims' families, Jamie Dixon, Paul Penkala's brother-in-law, said over the phone, "We're hoping for a speedy resolution. Steven and Paul are always in our hearts."

Stay with Eyewitness News as we continue following this developing story.