Pocono News Section

Teen Involved in Deadly Crash Back in Court

Teen Involved in Deadly Crash Back in Court - Monday, October 26, 2009 at 5:30PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Monday, Oct 26, 2009 @ 05:30pm EDT
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- A Schuylkill County teenager facing charges in a deadly crash was in court this morning.

Joseph Puglio was behind the wheel September 30, 2008, when police say he was speeding and crashed his car into a cement garages, killing two passengers. Puglio is charged with involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, and other charges.

His sentencing was set for this morning in Schuylkill County. But a judge decided to wait 90 days in order to further evaluate Puglio's past, and consider his future when determining his sentence.

The crash happened in Beaver Township, Columbia County. Police say Puglio was driving 98 miles per hour on Scotch Valley Road, as it was raining and approaching dusk. Two passengers -- Paul Penkala and Steven Geraci -- were killed in that crash. Puglio was 16 years old and received his driver's license only days before the accident.

Puglio has had several hearings this year. In May, police said Puglio was at an underage drinking party and hadn't learned his lesson. Puglio was taken into custody for several days, but was released into his grandfather's custody.

Puglio could spend more than three years at a juvenile detention center if found delinquent - or guilty - on the charges he faces.

We're told he is being taken to a facility in York County for an evaluation. We asked the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office if he was going to be taken into custody, and their response was, "no comment."