South Williamsport man who walked out of June hearing charged with escape | News, Sports, Jobs

Dondre Terrell McMillan, 30, 203 ½ W. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, was tried in absentia and convicted of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, criminal use of a communications facility, aggravated assault, escape or attempted escape. Following Judge William Carlucci’s hearing on June 21, police officers and criminal mischief offenders faced new charges after failing to show up for the hearing.

According to court documents, McMillan attended jury selection on June 20 for his trial, which was scheduled to begin the next day, but cut off his electronic ankle monitor shortly before 5:30 p.m.

Defense attorney Timothy Reitz tried unsuccessfully to contact McMillan by cell phone from Carlucci’s courtroom at 9:15 a.m. on June 21.

Authorities said the voicemail heard by police showed that the phone number was no longer in service or had been disconnected, even though Reitz had used the number to contact McMillan the day before.

The trial continued with McMillan failing to appear, which resulted in his conviction.

McMillan was later arrested and booked into the Lycoming County Jail on Sept. 26 and charged with fleeing to avoid arrest, trial or punishment.

He is being held in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.