◆ SpookStack

By JADON GREEN THE TRILUNE- DEMOCRAT A federal judge has thrown out the convi, stion of a Geistown man on charg’ 3s he threatened the life of U.S. Rep. -gom Murtha, D-Johnstown. U.S, District Judge D. Brooks Smithruled a jury’s decision in July Smith said Fenton made no direct threafjon the congressman's life. Fenton, a 41-year-old self-em- ployeil contractor, had been free on bond (awaiting sentencing, but was foree,, to wear an electronic moni- toriny: device. He faced up to five years, in prison and a $250,000 fine, Win Fenton testified in his own defen 3¢, he denied wanting to kill Murtha. Lin he admitied using the word “kill during a heated conversation Dez. ¢, 1997, with Randy Leventry, an insurjince adjuster for Erie Insur- ance ("0 in Richland Township. Fen- ton sc id it was “a figure of speech.” The case began in 1996 when Fen- finansially distressed Johnstown egiolt. ae the jury that he planned to introfuce a mass transit system, develyp a ski resort and build a Naticnal Football League stadium betw¢en Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Fenton said he could accomplish his gdals without government mon- ey and by selling shares of stock at $100 ach, D ping testimony, Fenton said he met jvith John Hugya, an aide to Murtha, at the Incline Station restairant to discuss his ideas and Ferton subsequently switched his voter, registration from Republican to Detaocrat and decided to become a candi jate for Murtha’s seat. Fenton testified to having numer- ; j j j ] | (Mount Clipping in Space Below) ton saggested ways to rebuild the’ THE (Indicate page, name of fae ed nawspaper, cily and stete,) TRIBUAE -— Dizmacaat Jeanstowa , fA Date: Edition: ¥ of eel Jena ©. 7a - : taJav/ oe ate ot Certs G BOS > -WIeTim 7c ? rt 6 . Character: sa fs 74 7 Rep. John Murtha ~~ Supposed target of threat ous mechanical problems with his work truck and he contended local garages were involved in “dirty tricks.” Unhappy with Leventry’s han- dling of an insurance claim, he became suspicious and believed he was being followed. The case focused on the telephone conversation with Leventry. The insurance agent testified that he took notes during the conversation, which he said included threats by Fenton that he would kill Murtha, Leventry called Stonycreek Town- ship police. Charges of making ter- rorist threats and harassment were filed. The FBI was contacted. In his ruling, Smith gave two rea- sons for overturning Fenton’s con- viction: Because the intirhidation was directed at Leventry rather than Murtha, no direct threat was made on the congressman. @ Murtha was not threatened in his capacity as a congressman. . OF Classification: es Olfice: CLOSER 4A 3 PG bye. Donald-Fentomw Admits using word ‘kil? Neither Fenton nor Marketa Sims, his public defender, could be reached for comment, -Leon Rodrigues, an assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted the case, said he has a right to appeal the deci- sion. He said he must review details of the case before deciding whether to challenge the decision. Fenton also has been convicted in Cambria County court for threaten- Akg Pies oe ar sae oF ing Leventry, Murtha and employees ~ of The Tribune-Democrat. He was sentenced to 60 months probation in October, but allowed to go free with three months already served in jail. ne Vow