Pocono News Section

Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Restraining Mother

Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Restraining Mother - Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 6:58PM EST

POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - A Mount Carmel man who police said kidnapped his mother, pleaded guilty to lesser charges Tuesday afternoon and was immediately sentenced to five years probation in Pottsville.

Just minutes after Robert Netchel walked into the Schuylkill County courthouse, the 58-year-old learned he would not go to prison in connection with a case where his mother, 83-year-old Ruth Ann Netchel died.

Netchel pleaded guilty to four charges: one count of unlawful restraint and three charges of reckless endangerment. Prosecutors say he took his mother against her will from a nursing home in Orwigsburg earlier this year. His mother died less than 24 hours later.

Netchel could have faced a lengthy prison sentence. He was originally charged with kidnapping and involuntary manslaughter. Those charges were dropped in connection for his guilty plea on Tuesday afternoon.