HomeMy WebLinkAbout94-02993
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JOANNE R. STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
IN '\lIE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO, 94-2993 CIVIL TERM
TODD E, SHAFER,
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
Defendant
PRO'I'F.Cl'ION ORDER
AND NOW, this
'\
day of June, 1994, upon consideration of the Consent
Agreement of the parties, the following Order is entered:
1. The defendant, Todd E. Shafer, is enjoined from physically abusing
the plaintiff, Joanne R, Stouffer, or from placing her in fear of abuse.
2. The defendant is enjoined from having any direct or indirect contact
with the plaintiff including, but not limited to, telephone and written
communications, except for the limited purpose of facilitating custody
arrangements.
3, The defendant is ordered to refrain from harassing and stalking the
plaintiff and from harassing the plaintiff's family.
4. The defendant is prohibited from entering the plaintiff's place of
employment and the day care facilities of the minor children,
5. The defendant is prohibited from removing, damaging, destroying or
selling any property owned by the plaintiff or jointly owned by the parties.
6. The defendant is excluded from the plaintiff's residence located at
1322 1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, CUmberland County, Pennsylvania,
7. The defendant is ordered to stay away from any residence the
plaintiff may in the future,
8, This Order shall remain in effect for a period of one year,
9. The Pennsylvania State Pot ice and the Carl isle Pol ice Department
shall be provided with certi fied copies of this Order by the plaint iff's attorney
and may enforce this Order by arrest for indirect criminal contempt without
warrant upon probable cause that this Order has been violated, whether or not the
violation is committed in the presence of the police officer. In the event that
an arrest is made under this sect ion, the defendant shall be taken without
unnecessary delay before the court that issued the order. When that court is
unavai lable, the defendant shall be taken before the appr
justice, (23 P,S, g 6113).
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8, The defendant, although entering into this Agreement, does not admi t
the allegations made in the Petition.
9. The defendant understands that the Protective Order entered in this
matter shall be in effect for a period of one year,
10, The defendant understands that this Order Is enforceable in the same
manner as the court's prior Temporary Protection Order entered in this case,
11. The defendant and the plaint iff agree to the entry of an Order
providing for the following custody schedule for their children, Travis Edward
Shafer and Troy Edward Shafer,
a, The mother will have primary physical custody of the children
and the parties will share legal custody of the children,
b. The father will have partial custody of the children on dates
and at times mutually agreed upon by the parties.
c. The mother and father agree that each shall notify the other
of all medical care the children receives while in that parent's
care. Each parent shall notify the other immediately of medical
emergencies which arise while the children are in that parent's
care,
d. The parties realize that their children's well being is
paramount to any differences they might have between themselves.
Therefore, they agree that neither party shall do anything which may
estrange the children from the other parent, or injure the opinion
of the children as to the other parent or which may hamper the free
and natural development of the children's love or respect for the
other parent.
JOANNE R, STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
IN TIlE COURT OF COftM>N PLEAS OF
v,
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO, 94- -a9rr 3 CIVIL TERM
TODD E, SHAFER,
Defendant
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
AND NOW, this
'l'f7lIPORARY PROTECTION ORDER
.jJ-6- day of June, 1994, upon presentation and
consideration of the within petition, and upon finding that the plaintiff, Joanne
R. Stouffer, temporarily staying at an undisclosed location for her own
protection and to avoid further abuse is in immediate and present danger of abuse
from the defendant, Todd E. Shafer, the following Temporary Order is entered,
The defendant, Todd E, Shafer, currently incarcerated in the CUmberland
County Prison, Car I isle, Pennsylvania, is hereby enjoined from physically abusing
the plaintiff, Joanne R. Stouffer, or placing her in fear of abuse,
The defendant is excluded from the plaintiff's residence located at 1322
1/28 Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, a residence which
is leased solely by the plaintiff.
The defendant is hereby notified that if he resides in the plaintiff's
domicile contrary to this Order, he may be in indirect criminal contempt which
is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 and/or by a sentence of up to six
months in jail and any other appropriate punishment, Resumption of co-residence
on the part of the plaintiff and defendant shall not nUllify the provisions of
the court order directing the defendant to refrain from abusing the plaintiff,
The defendant is ordered to refrain from having any direct or indirect
contact with the plaintiff including, but not limited to, telephone and written
communications.
The defendant is enjoined from harassing and stalkIng the plaintiff and
from harassing the plaintiff's family.
The defendant is enjoined from entering the plaintiff's place of employment
or the day care facilities of the minor children,
The defendant is enjoined from removing, damaging, destroying or selling
any property owned jointly by the parties or owned solely by the plaintiff,
Temporary custody of Troy Edward Shafer and Travis Edward Shafer, is hereby
awarded to the plaintiff, Joanne R, Stouffer.
This Order shall remain in effect until a final order is entered in this
case. A hearing shall be held on this matter on the qU\. day of June, 1994,
at ~,m" in Courtroom No,LC, CUmberland County Courthouse, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania,
The plaintiff may proceed in ~ paupcris pending a further order after
the hearing,
The CUmberland County Sheriff's Department shall attempt to make service
at the plaintiff's request, but service may be accomplished under any applicable
Rule of Civil Procedure,
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Carlisle Police Department will be
provided with a certified copy of this Order by the plaintiff's attorney, This
Order shall be enforced by any law enforcement agency where a violation occurs
by arrest for indirect criminal contempt without warrant upon probable cause that
this Order has been violated, whether or not the violation is committed in the
presence of the police officer. In the event that an arrest is made under this
section, the defendant shall be taken without unnecessary delay before the court
that issued the order. When that court is unavailable, the defendant shall be
taken before the appropriate district justice. (23 P,S,
By the Court,
Judge
JOANNE R. STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
IN nm COURT OF cot+tON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 94-
CIVIL TERM
TODD E. S1fAFER,
Defendant
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set
forth in the following pages, you must take action promptly after this Petition,
Order and Notice are served, by appearing personally or by attorney at the
hearing scheduled by the Court and presenting to the Court your defenses or
objections to the claims set forth against you, You are warned that if you fail
to do so the Court may proceed without you, and a judgment may be entered against
you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Petition or
for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or
property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE 'llIIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE nm OFFICE SET FOImf BELOW TO
FIND our WHERE YOU CAN GET LmAL HELP.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR, 4th FLOOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COURTIlOUSE
CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17013
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (717) 240-6200
defendant in a public parking lot, the defendant lured the
plaintiff into the car and sped off with the plaintiff and the
children. Fearing for her safety and that of her children,
the plaintiff screamed, pleaded with the defendant to let her
out of the car, and attempted to get out several times when
the defendant slowed down at stop signs, but the defendant
grabbed the plaintiff, restrained her from getting out and
accelerated the car, The defendant drove recklessly,
accelerating and nearly rolling the car on a turn, and drove
over a highway sign causing the plaintiff's head and face to
hit the passenger window with such force that the window
shattered, As a result of this incident the plaintiff
suffered multiple lacerations to her face which bled profusely
and required approximately tJ stitches, The plaintiff also
experienced pain and erythema about her right leg. See
attached Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The police were contacted and the defendant is currently in
the CUmberland County Prison,
b. On or about May II, 1994, the defendant grabbed the plaintiff
by her shirt and pinned her head under his arm. The plaintiff
sustained a scrape on her shoulder as a result of this
incident,
c, On or about May 5, 1994, the defendant grabbed the plaintiff's
head and pushed it down on the seat as they sat in the car.
The plaintiff was able to get out of the car, and when the
defendant told her to get back into the car, she refused, and
he grabbed her by the back of her jacket, dragged her to the
car, releasing her only when he saw a security guard.
d, On or about May 3, 1994, the defendant picked the plaintiff up
off of the ground with both hands around her neck, shoved her
up against the car and threatened to break her neck. The
defendant's cousin, Terry Fahnestock, intervened, and the
defendant re leased the plaint iff. When the plaint iff went
into the house, the defendant grabbed her with both his hands
around her neck again, picked her up off of the floor and
pinned her up against the kitchen sink, threatening to break
her neck,
e, Since approximately October, 1988, the defendant has abused
the plaintiff in ways including, but not limited to, pushing,
shoving, choking, restraining, and physically intimidating
her, In addition, the defendant has threatened to kill the
plaintiff, slit her throat, put a bullet in her head and break
her neck.
6. On May 26, 1994, the plaintiff left her residence at 1322 1/2B Spring
Road, Carlisle, CUmberland County, Pennsylvania, in order to avoid further abuse,
7, The plaintiff believes and therefore avers that she is in immediate
and present danger of abuse from the defendant should she return to the home
without the defendant's exclusion and that she is in need of protection from such
abuse,
8. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be prohibited from having
any direct or indirect contact with the plaintiff including, but not limited to,
telephone and written communications, except for the limited purpose of
facilitating custody arrangements,
9. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be enjoined from harassing
and stalking the plaintiff, and from harassing the plaintiff's family, or the
minor children,
10, The plaintiff desires that the defendant be restrained from entering
her place of employment,
11. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be enjoined from removing,
damaging, destroying or selling any property owned jointly by the parties or
owned solely by the plaintiff.
B, EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION
12, The apartment from which the plaintiff is asking the Court to exclude
the defendant is rented in the name of Joanne R. Stouffer.
13, The plaintiff currently has no place to stay with her children except
her apartment, and the defendant has family and friends in the area with whom he
can stay after he is released from prison,
14. The plaintiff desires possession of the apartment so as to give the
greatest degree of continuity to the lives of the children,
C. SUPPORT
15, The defendant has a duty to support the minor children.
16. The defendant is unemployed.
17, The plaintiff currently has no income and is unable to provide for
the minimal needs and those of the children until such time as a support order
can be obtained by filing at the Domestic Relations Office.
18, The plaintiff intends to petition for support within two weeks of the
issuance of a protective order.
Plaintiff and defendant
1322 1/2B Spring Rd,
Carlisle, PA
Plaintiff and defendant
355 Burgners Rd.
Carlisle, PA
April, 1994
to May 26, 1994
Augus t , 1993
to April, 1994
December, 1992
to August, 1993
February, 1992
to December, 1992
January, 1992
to February, 1992
Plaintiff and defendant
25 S. Pitt St., Apt, 3
Carlisle, PA
Plaintiff and defendant
College Park Apts,
Carlisle, PA
Plaintiff, defendant, his
father and step-mother,
Harold and Beverly Shafer,
and his brother, Joshua Shafer,
and sister, Ashley Shafer
Rolling Hills Apts,
York, PA
Plaintiff, defendant, his
aunt, Martha Fahnestock,
and her children, Alice and
Justin Fahnestock
Spring Road
Carlisle, PA
October, 1991
to January, 1992
Plaintiff and defendant James Wilson Safe Harbour end of January, 1991
Carl isle, PA to October, 1991
Plaintiff and defendant Harvon Motel mid-January, 1991
Carlisle, PA to end of January, 1991
Defendant's mother, 113 S. Hanover St., Apt. 2 Augus t , 1990
Nancy Shafer Carlisle, PA to mid-January, 1991
The mother of the children is Joanne R. Stouffer, currently staying at an
undisclosed location for her own protection and to avoid further abuse,
She is divorced.
The father of the children is Todd E, Shafer, currently incarcerated in the
CUmberland County Prison, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
He is single,
The plaintiff currently resides with the following persons:
~
Relat ionship
Troy Edward Shafer
Travis Edward Shafer
her son
her son
23, The plaintiff has not previously participated in any litigation
concerning custody of the above mentioned children in this or any other Court,
24. The plaintiff has no knowledge of any custody proceedings concerning
these children pending before a court in this or any other jurisdiction.
25, The plaintiff does not know of any person not a party to this action
who has physical custody of the children or claims to have custody or visitation
rights with respect to the children,
26. The best interest and permanent welfare of the children will be met
if custody is temporarily granted to the plaintiff pending a hearing in this
matter for reasons including:
a, The plaintiff is a fit parent who can best take
care of the children.
b, The defendant has shown by his abuse of the
pl~intiff that he is not an appropriate role model for
the children.
c, The defendant has shown by his unstable behavior
and his disregard for the children's safety that he is
not a responsible caretaker for them.
WHEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of the "Protection from Abuse Act"
of ~ctober 7, 1976, 23 P,S, g 6101 et sea., as amended, the plaintiff prays this
Honorable Court to grant the following relief:
A. Grant a Temporary Order pursuant to the "Protect ion from Abuse
Act:"
1, Ordering the defendant to refrain from abusing the
plaintiff or placing her in fear of abuse;
2. Ordering the defendant to refrain from having any direct
or indirect contact with the plaintiff including, but not
limited to, telephone and written communications;
3, Ordering the defendant to refrain from harassing and
stalking the plaintiff and from harassing the plaintiff's
fami ly;
4. Prohibiting the defendant from entering the plaintiff's
place of employment or the day care facil i ty of the minor
children;
5. Prohibiting the defendant from removing, damaging,
destroying or selling property jointly owned by the parties or
owned solely by the plaintiff;
6, Grant ing possession of the apartment located at 1322
1/28 Spring Road, Carlisle, cumberland county, Pennsylvania,
to the plaintiff to the exclusion of the defendant pending a
final order in this matter;
7. Ordering the defendant to stay away from any residence
the plaintiff may in the future establish for herself, and
9, Granting temporary custody of the minor children, Troy
Edward Shafer and Travis Edward Shafer, to the plaintiff.
B, Schedule a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the
"Protection from Abuse Act," and, after such hearing, enter an order to be in
effect for a period of one year:
L Ordering the defendant to refrain from abusing the
plaintiff or placing her in fear of abuse,
2. Ordering the defendant to refrain from having any direct
or indirect contact wi th the plaint i ff including, but not
limited to, telephone and written communications.
3. Ordering the defendant to refrain from harassing and
stalking the plaintiff and from harassing the plaintiff's
fami ly,
4, Prohibiting the defendant from entering the plaintiff's
place of employment or the day care faci Ii ty of the minor
children.
5, Prohibiting the defendant from removing, damaging,
destroying or selling property jointly owned by the parties or
owned solely by the plaintiff,
6. Grant ing possession of the apartment home located at
t322 l/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, to the plaintiff to the exclusion of the
defendant.
7. Ordering the defendant to stay away from any residence
the plaintiff may in the future establish for herself,
8, Granting support to the plaintiff for the minor children
in the amount of $50,00 per week payable to the plaintiff in
the form of a check or money order, mailed to her residence,
9. Ordering the defendant to pay all costs of filing and
service of this lawsuit and attorney's fees to Legal Services,
Inc,
The plaintiff further asks that this Petition be filed and served without
payment of costs, pending a further order at the hearing, and that certified
copies of this Petition and Order be delivered to the Pennsylvania State Police
and the Carlisle Police Department who have jurisdiction to enforce this Order,
The plaintiff prays for such other relief as may be just and proper.
COONT II
CUSTODY UNDER PENNSYLVANIA CUSTODY LAW
27. The allegations of Count I above are incorporated herein as if fully
set forth,
28. The best interest and permanent we I fare of the children wi 11 be
served by confirming custody in the plaintiff as set forth in Paragraph 26 of the
Petition,
WHEREFORE, pursuant to 23 P.S. 6 5301 !tl. sea.. and other applicable rules
and law, the plaintiff prays this Honorable Court to award custody of the minor
chi ldren to her,
The plaintiff prays for such other relief as may be just and proper,
Respectfully submitted,
LmAL SERVICES, INC.
8 Irvine Row
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-9400
The above-named plaintiff I Joanne R, Stouffer, verifies that the stateJIICnts
made in the above Petition are true and correct, The plaintiff understands that
false stateJIICnts herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C,S. S 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: ,t::;- a 1- qL(
.
SHERIFF'S RETURN
C<M1ONWEAL'llI OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUl'll'Y OF CLMBERLAND
Joanne R. Stouffer
In the Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
No. 94-2993
Temporary Protection Order
Protection Order, Protection
from Abuse and Custody
VS
Todd E. Shafer
Harry Kino
, R~X~ Deputy Sheriff of
Cunberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, says,
that he served the within Temporary
Protection from Abuse and Custody
upon Todd E. Shafer
Protection Order Protection Order
, the defendant, at
4:45
o'clock
P
.M. ~xI EDST. on the
day of
, 19~at
3rd
June
.
Cumberland County Prison. Claremont Road. Carlisle. ~rland County,
Pennsylvania. by handing to
Todd E. Shafer
a true and attested copy of the
Protection from Abuse
and at the same time directing
his attention to the contents thereof and
the "Notice to Plead" endorsed thereon,
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
So answers:
r~-~~~
:~::l:ine2:iff
Deg/ ih~
14.00
14.00
Swom and subscribed to before me
this N"=' day of qt,. :~
19 '1'{ A.D.
~" ,0. In.;JI~-'. IIlf111 ,
Prothonotary
JOANNE R. STOUFFER, :
Plaintiff :
TODD E. SHAPER, :
Defendant :
IN THE COURT OF CObdeN PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 94- CIVIL TERM
PROTECTION FRO~ ABUSE AND CUSTODY
TI/~RARYPROTECTIONORDER
AND NOW, this ,~]t~" day of June, 1994, upon presentation and
consideration of the within Petition, and upon findingthat the plaintiff, Joanne
R. Stouffer, temporarily staying at an undisclosed location for her own
protection and to avoid further abuse is in immediate and present danger of abuse
from the defendant, Todd E. Shafer, the following Temporary Order is entered.
The defendant, Todd E. Shafer, currently incarcerated in the Cumberland
County Prison, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is hereby enjoined from physically abusing
the plaintiff, Joanne R. Stouffer, or placing her in fear of abuse.
The defendant is excluded from the plaintiff's residence located at 1322
1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, a residence which
is leased solely by the plaintiff.
The defendant is hereby notified that if he resides in the plaintiff's
domicile contrary to this Order, he may be in indirect criminal contempt which
is punishable bya fine not to exceed $1,000.00 and/or by a sentence of up to six
months in jail and any other appropriate punishment. Resumption of co-residence
on the part of the plaintiff and defendant shall not nullify the provisions of
the court order directing the defendant to refrain from abusing the plaintiff.
The defendant is ordered to refrain from having any direct or indirect
contact with the plaintiff including, but not limited to, telephone and written
communications.
The defendant is enjoined from harassing and stalking the plaintiff and
from harassing the plaintiff's fatally.
The defendant is enjoined from entering the plaintiff's place of employment
or the day care facilities of the minor children.
The defendant is enjoined from removing, damaging, destroying or selling
any property owned jointly by the parties or ovn~ed solely by the plaintiff.
Temporary custody of Troy Edward Shafer and TravisEdward Shafer, is hereby
awarded to the plaintiff, Joanne R. Stouffer.
This Order shall remain in effect until a final order is entered in this
case. A hearing shall be held on this matter on the ~ day of June, 1994,
at ~ ~ 6L.m., in Courtroom No."[~, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
The plaintiff may proceed in for~a pauperis pending a further order after
the hearing.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Department shall attempt to make service
at the plaintiff's request, but service may be accomplished under any applicable
Rule of Civil Procedure.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Carlisle Police Department will be
provided with a certified copy of this Order by the plaintiff's attorney. This
Order shall be enforced by any law enforcement agency where a violation occurs
by arrest for indirect criminal contempt without warrant upon probable cause that
this Order has been violated, whether or not the violation is committed in the
presence of the police officer. In the event that an arrest is made under this
section, the defendant shall be taken without unnecessary delay before the court
that issued the order. When that court is unavailable, the defendant shall be
taken before the appropriate district justice. (23 P.~fz~ //r J
By the Court, J f/ ~' /f
Judge
JOANNE R. STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
TODD E. SHAFER,
Vo
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF CO~N PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: NO. 94- CIVIL TERM
: PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
NOTICE
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set
forth in the following pages, you must take action promptly after this Petition,
Order and Notice are served, by appearing personally or by attorney at the
hearing scheduled by the Court and presenting to the Court your defenses or
objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail
to do so the Court may proceed without you, and a judgment may be entered against
you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Petition or
for any other claim or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or
property or other rights important to you.
YOO SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOOR LA~VYER AT ONCE. IF YOU IX) NOT HAVE A
LA~'ER OR CAI/~OT AFFORD ONE, O0 TO OR TM.M~ONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO
FIND OUT ~ YOU CAN t/cf
COURT ADMINISTRATOR, 4th FLOOR
CUI~ERLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17013
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (717) 240-6200
JOANNE R. STOUFFER, :
Plaintiff :
..
TODD E. SHAFER, :
Defendant :
PETITIO~IFOR
AND
IN THE COURT OF ~N PLEAS OF
CUmbERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 94- '~ q~ CIVIL 'r~l(M
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
RELIEFU~IDEI~TIiEPROTECTIONFI~O~AI~JSE
ACT, 23 P.S. § 6101 et seq.
A. ABUSE
1. The plaintiff is an adult individual whose permanent address is 1322
1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17013.
2. The plaintiff is temporarily staying at an undisclosed location for
her own protection and to avoid further abuse as is more fully set forth herein.
This address will be furnished to the court upon request.
3. The defendant is an adult individual currently incarcerated in the,
Cumberland County Prison, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013.
4. The defendant is the father of the parties two children.
5. Since approximately August, 1989, the defendant has attempted to
cause and has intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused serious bodily harm
to the plaintiff, has falsely imprisoned the plaintiff pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S.
§ 2903, and has by physical menace placed the plaintiff in fear of iuinent
serious bodily injury. This has included but is not limited to the following
specific instances of abuse:
a. On or about May 31, 1994, the defendant telephoned the
plaintiff and told her to meet him saying that he would let
her take their children with her. When the plaintiff,
accompanied by a friend and Constable Merle Shaffer, met the
defendant in a public parking lot, the defendant lured the
plaintiff into the car and sped off with the plaintiff and the
children. Fearing for her safety and that of her children,
the plaintiff screamed, pleaded with the defendant to let her
out of the car, and attempted to get out several times when
the defendant slowed down at stop signs, but the defendant
grabbed the plaintiff, restrained her from getting out and
accelerated the car. The defendant drove recklessly,
accelerating and nearly rolling the car on a turn, and drove
over a highway sign causing the plaintiff's head and face to
hit the passenger window with such force that the window
shattered. As a result of this incident the plaintiff
suffered multiple lacerations to her face which bled profusely
and required approximately 13 stitches. The plaintiff also
experienced pain and erythema about her right leg. See
attached Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The police were contacted and the defendant is currently in
the Cumberland County Prison.
On or about May 11, 1994, the defendant grabbed the plaintiff
by her shirt and pinned her headunder his arm. The plaintiff
sustained a scrape on her shoulder as a result of this
incident.
On or about May 5, 1994, the defendant grabbed the plaintiff's
head and pushed it down on the seat as they sat in the car.
The plaintiff was able to get out of the car, and when the
defendant told her to get back into the car, she refused, and
he grabbed her by the back of her jacket, dragged her to the
car, releasing her only when he saw a security guard.
d. On or about May 3, 1994, the defendant picked the plaintiff up
off of the ground with both hands around her neck, shoved her
up against the car and threatened to break her neck. The
defendant's cousin, Terry Fahnestock, intervened, and the
defendant released the plaintiff. When the plaintiff went
into the house, the defendant grabbed her with both his hands
around her neck again, picked her up off of the floor and
pinned her up against the kitchen sink, threatening to break
her neck.
e. Since approximately October, 1988, the defendant has abused
the plaintiff in ways including, but not limited to, pushing,
shoving, choking, restraining, and physically intimidating
her. In addition, the defendant has threatened to kill the
plaintiff, slit her throat, put abullet in herheadandbreak
her neck.
6. On May 26, 1994, the plaintiff left her residence at 1322 1/2B Spring
Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in order to avoid further abuse.
7. The plaintiff believes and therefore avers that she is in immediate
and present danger of abuse from the defendant should she return to the home
without the defendant's exclusion and that she is in need of protection from such
abuse.
8. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be prohibited from having
any direct or indirect contact with the plaintiff including, but not limited to,
telephone and written comunications, except for the limited purpose of
facilitating custody arrangements.
9. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be enjoined from harassing
and stalking the plaintiff, and from harassing the plaintiff's family, or the
minor children.
10. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be restrained from entering
her place of employment.
11. The plaintiff desires that the defendant be enjoined from removing,
damaging, destroying or selling any property ovmed jointly by the parties or
owned solely by the plaintiff.
B. EXCLUSIVE FOSSESSION
12. The apartment from which the plaintiff is asking the Court to exclude
the defendant is rented in the name of Joanne R. Stouffer.
13. The plaintiff currently has no place to stay with her children except
her apartment, and the defendant has family and friends in the area with whom he
can stay after he is released from prison.
14. The plaintiff desires possession of the apartment so as to give the
greatest degree of continuity to the lives of the children.
C. SUPPORT
15. The defendant has a duty to support the minor children.
16. The defendant is unemployed.
17. The plaintiff currently has no income and is unable to provide for
the minimal needs and those of the children until such time as a support order
can be obtained by filing at the Domestic Relations Office.
18. The plaintiff intends to petition for support within two weeks of the
issuance of a protective order.
D. LOSSES
19. The plaintiff asks for attorney's fees for Legal Services, Inc., and
filing and service fees of this lawsuit pursuant to the Protection from Abuse
Act.
E. STATUS TO PEOcIf~ IN FOi~iAPAb~I(IS
20. Tbe plaintiff is currently unemployed as a result of a series of
abusive incidents listed in paragraph $ of this Petition.
21. The plaintiff does not have funds available to pay the fees for
filing and service of this lawsuit.
F. ~CUSTODY
22. The plaintiff seeks temporary custody of the following children:
Troy Edward Shafer
Travis Edward Shafer
Present Residence
1322 1/2B Spring Road
Carlisle, PA
1322 1/2B Spring Road
Carlisle, PA
The children were born out of wedlock.
3 years old
D.O.B. June 6 1990
2 years old
D.O.B. March 24, 1992
The children are presently in the custody of the plaintiff, Joanne R.
Stouffer, who resides at 1322 1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, but is temporarily staying at an undisclosed location for her own
protection and to avoid further abuse.
During their lives the children have resided with the following persons and
at the following addresses:
Na~e
Plaintiff
Beverly and Harold
Shafer, defendant's
father and step-mother
~ldresses
Undisclosed location
Pattison Street
York, PA
Dates
June 1, 1994
to the present
May 26, 1994
to June 1, 1994
Plaintiff and defendant
Plaintiff and defendant
Plaintiff and defendant
Plaintiff and defendant
Plaintiff, defendant, his
father and step-mother,
Harold and Beverly Shafer,
and his brother, Joshua sharer,
and sister, Ashley Shafer
Plaintiff, defendant, his
aunt, Martha Fahnestock,
and her children, Alice and
Justin Fahnestock
Plaintiff and defendant James
Plaintiff and defendant
Defendant's mother, 113 S.
Nancy Shafer
The mother of the children
1322 1/2B Spring Rd.
Carlisle, PA
25 S. Pitt St., Apt.
Carlisle, PA
College Park Apts.
Carlisle, PA
355 Burghers Rd.
Carlisle, PA
Rolling Hills Apts.
York, PA
April, 1994
to May 26, 1994
3 August, 1993
to April, 1994
December, 1992
to August, 1993
February, 1992
to December, 1992
January, 1992
to February, 1992
Spring Road October, 1991
Carlisle, PA to January, 1992
Wilson Safe Harbour
Carlisle, PA
Harvon Motel
Carlisle, PA
Hanover St., Apt. 2
Carlisle, PA
end of January, 1991
to October, 1991
mid-January, 1991
to end of January, 1991
August, 1990
to mid-January, 1991
is Joanne R. Stouffer, currently staying at an
undisclosed location for her own protection and to avoid further abuse.
she is divorced.
The father of the children is Todd E. Shafer, currently incarcerated in the
Cumberland County Prison, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
He is single.
The plaintiff currently resides with the following persons:
Na~e Relationship
Troy Edward Shafer her son
Travis Edward Shafer her son
22. The plaintiff has not previously participated in any litigation
concerning custody of the above mentioned children in this or any other Court.
24. The plaintiff has no knowledge of any custody proceedings concerning
these children pending before a court in this or any other jurisdiction.
25. The plaintiff does not know of any person not ap arty to this action
who has physical custody of the children or claims to have custody or visitation
rights with respect to the children.
26, The best interest and permanent welfare of the children will be met
if custody is temporarily granted to the plaintiff pending a hearing in this
matter for reasons including:
a. The plaintiff is a fit parent who can best take
care of the children.
b. The defendant has shown by his abuse of the
plaintiff that he is not an appropriate role model for
the children.
c. The defendant has shown by his unstable behavior
and his disregard for the children's safety that he is
not a responsible caretaker for them.
WHEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of the "Protection from Abuse Act"
of October 7, 1976, 23 P.S. § 6101 e~t seq., as amended, the plaintiff prays this
Honorable Court to grant the following relief:
A. Grant a Temporary Order pursuant to the "Protection from Abuse
Act:"
1. Ordering the defendant to refrain from abusing the
plaintiff or placing her in fear of abuse;
2. Ordering the defendant to refrain from having any direct
or indirect contact with the plaintiff including, but not
limited to, telephone and written communications;
3. Ordering the defendant to refrain from harassing and
stalking the plaintiff and from harassing the plaintiff's
family;
4. Prohibiting the defendant from entering the plaintiff's
place of employment or the day care facility of the minor
children;
5. Prohibiting the defendant from removing, damaging,
destroying or selling property jointly owned bytheparties or
owned solely by the plaintiff;
6. Granting possession of the apartment located at 1322
1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
to the plaintiff to the exclusion of the defendant pending a
final order in this matter;
7. Ordering the defendant to stay away from any residence
the plaintiff may in the future establish for herself, and
9. Granting temporary custody of the minor children, Troy
Edward Shafer and Travis Edward Shafer, to the plaintiff.
B. Schedule a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the
"Protection from Abuse Act," and, after such hearing, enter an order to be in
effect for a period of one year:
1. Ordering the defendant to refrain from abusing the
plaintiff or placing her in fear of abuse.
2. Ordering the defendant to refrain from havingany direct
or indirect contact with the plaintiff including, but not
limited to, telephone and written communications.
3. Ordering the defendant to refrain from harassing and
stalking the plaintiff and from harassing the plaintiff's
family.
4. Prohibiting the defendant from entering the plaintiff's
place of employment or the day care facility of the minor
children.
5. Prohibiting the defendant from removing, damaging,
destroying or selling property jointly owned by the parties or
owned solely by the plaintiff.
6. Granting possession of the apartment home located at
1322 1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, to the plaintiff to the exclusion of the
defendant.
7. Ordering the defendant to stay away from any residence
the plaintiff may in the future establish for herself.
8. Granting support to the plaintiff for the minor children
in the amount of $50.00 per week payable to the plaintiff in
the form of a check or money order, mailed to her residence.
9. Ordering the defendant to pay all costs of filing and
service of this lawsuit and attorney's fees to Legal Services,
Inc.
The plaintiff further asks that this Petition be filed and served without
payment of costs, pending a further order at the hearing, and that certified
copies of this Petition and Order be delivered to the Pennsylvania State Police
and the Carlisle Police Department who have jurisdiction to enforce this Order.
The plaintiff prays for such other relief as may be just and proper.
27.
set forth.
28.
COI]/T II
CUSTODY IJNDERPI~SYLVANIACIJSTODYLAW
The allegations of Count I above are incorporated herein as if fully
The best interest and permanent welfare of the children will be
served by confirming custody in the plaintiff as set forth in Paragraph 26 of the
Pet it/on.
WHEREFORE, pursuant to 23 P.S. § 5301 et seq., and other applicable rules
and law, the plaintiff prays this Honorable Court to award custody of the minor
children to her.
The plaintiff prays for such other relief as may be just and proper.
Respect fully submitted~
Carey, orney ~j2r Plaintiff
LI~GAL SERVI~S ~ INC.
$ Irvine Row
Carlisle~ PA 17013
(717) 243-9400
The above-na~ed plaintiff, Joanne R. Stouffer, verifies that the state~ents
Made in the above Petition are true and correct. The plaintiff understands that
false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
R, Stouf fe~'Plaint~ fg
Exhibit A
JOANNE R. STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
v.
TODD E. SHAFER,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF ~N PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 94-2993 CIVIL TERM
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
AND NOW, this ~ day of June, 1994, upon consideration of the Consent
Agreement of the parties, the following Order is entered:
1. The defendant, Todd E. Shafer, is enjoined from physically abusing
the plaintiff, Joanne R. Stouffer, or from placing her in fear of abuse.
2. The defendant is enjoined from having any direct or indirect contact
with the plaintiff including, but not limited to, telephone and written
communications, except for the limited purpose of facilitating custody
arrangements.
3. The defendant is ordered to refrain from harassing and stalking the
plaintiff and from harassing the plaintiff's family.
4. The defendant is prohibited from entering the plaintiff's place of
employment and the day care facilities of the minor children.
5. The defendant is prohibited from removing, damaging, destroying or
selling any property owned by the plaintiff or jointly owned by the parties.
6. The defendant is excluded from the plaintiff's residence located at
1322 1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
7. The defendant is ordered to stay away from any residence the
plaintiff may in the future.
8. This Order shall remain in effect for a period of one year.
9. The Pennsylvania State Police and the Carlisle Police Department
shall be provided with certified copies of this Order by the plaintiff's attorney
and may enforce this Order by arrest for indirect criminal contempt without
warrant upon probable cause that this order has been violated~ whether or not the
violation is committed in the presence of the police officer· In the event that
an arrest is made under this section, the defendant shall be taken without
unnecessary delay before the court that issued the order. When that court is
unavailable, the defendant
justice. (23 P.S. § 6113).
shall be taken before th{ apprgl~iate district
· Bayley
$OANNE R. STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
TODD E. SHAFER,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF CO~40N PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 94-2993 CIVIL TERM
:
: PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND CUSTODY
AND NOW, this ~__day of June, 1994, upon consideration of the parties'
Consent Agreement, the following Order is entered with regard to custody of the
parties' children, Travis Edward Sharer and Troy Edward Shafer.
1. The plaintiff, hereinafter referred to as the ~other, shall have
primary physical custody of the children. The parties shall share legal custody.
2. The defendant, hereinafter referred to as the father, shall have
partial custody of the children, on dates and at times mutually agreed upon by
the parties.
3. This Order shall remain in effect until either party petitions to
have it changed.
4. The mother and father shall notify each other of all ~edical care the
children receive while in that parent's care. Each parent shall notify the other
imediately of medical emergencies which arise while the children are in that
parent's care.
5. Neither party shall do anything which may estrange the children from
the other parent, or injure the opinion of the children as to the other parent
development en's love or
respect for the other parent. //~/// By
Edgar B. Bayl~y~,~dge
JOANNE R. STOUFFER,
Plaintiff
Vo
TODD E. SHAFER,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COI~g)N PLEAS OF
:
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 94-2993 CIVIL TERM
:
: PROTECTION FRO~ ABUSE AND CUSTODY
C0NSI~
This Agreement is entered on this ~%q'- day of June,
plaintiff, Joanne R. Stouffer, and the defendant, Todd E. Shafer.
is represented by Joan Carey of LEGAL SERVICES, INC.;
unrepresented but is aware of his right to have an attorney.
that the following may be entered as an Order of Court.
plaintiff,
2.
the plaintiff
communications,
arrangements.
1994, by the
The plaintiff
the defendant is
The parties agree
The defendant, Todd E. Shafer, agrees to refrain from abusing the
Joanne R. Stouffer, or placing her in fear of abuse.
The defendant agrees not to have any direct or indirect contact with
including, but not limited to, telephone and written
except for the limited purpose of facilitating custody
3. The defendant agrees not to enter the plaintiff's place of employment
or the day care facilities of the minor children.
4. The defendant agrees not to harass and stalk the plaintiff and harass
the plaintiff's family.
5. The defendant agrees not to remove, damage, destroy, or sell any
property owned by the plaintiff or jointly owned by the parties.
6. The defendant agrees to stay away from the plaintiff's residence
located at 1322 1/2B Spring Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
7. The defendant agrees to stay away from any residence the plaintiff
may in the future establish for herself.
8. The defendant, although entering into this Agreement, does not admit
the allegations made in the Petition.
9. The defendant understands that the Protective Order entered in this
matter shall be in effect for a period of one year.
10. The defendant understands that this Order is enforceable in the same
manner as the Court's prior Temporary Protection Order entered in this case.
11. The defendant and the plaintiff agree to the entry of an Order
providing for the following custody schedule for their children, Travis Edward
Shafer and Troy Edward Shafer.
a. The mother will have primary physical custody of the children
and the parties will share legal custody of the children.
b. The father will have partial custody of the children on dates
and at times mutually agreed upon by the parties.
c. The mother and father agree that each shall notify the other
of all medical care the children receives while in that parent's
care. Each parent shall notify the other immediately of medical
emergencies which arise while the children are in that parent's
care.
d. The parties realize that their children's well being is
paramount to any differences they might have between themselves.
Therefore, they agree that neither party shall do anythingwhich may
estrange the children from the other parent, or injure the opinion
of the children as to the other parent or which may hamper the free
and natural development of the children's love or respect for the
other parent.
WHEREFORE, the parties request that a Protection and Custody Order be
entered to reflect the above terms.
Jognne R. St_.odffer~(~tlai~tiff
Attorney for Plair~iff
LI/GAL SERVICES, INC.
8 Irvine Row
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-9400
Todd E. Shafer, Defendant
SHERIFF'S RETURN
CC~I~ONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
Joanne R. Stouffer
VS
Todd E. Shafer
In the Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
No. 94-2993
Temporary Protection Order
Protection Order, Protection
from Abuse and Custody
Harry Kinq , ~R~x~r Deputy Sheriff of
C~nberland County, Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, says,
that he served the within TemDorary Protection Order Protection Order
Protection from Abuse and Custody
upon Todd E. Shafer , the defendant, at 4:45 o'clock
p .M.~x/ EDST, on the
Cumberland County Prison,
Pennsylvania, by handing to
3rd day of
Claremont Road,
Todd E. Shafer
June 19 94at
Carlisle, C~nb~rland 'County,
a true and attested copy of the
Protection from Abuse
and at the same time directing
his attention to the contents thereof and
the "Notice to Plead" endorsed thereon.
Sheriff's Costs:
Docketing
Service
Affidavit
Surcharge
14.00
14.00
Swo~] and subscribed to before me
this /~'~ day of ~c,-~--~
19 ?~ AoD.
Prothonotary
So answers:
R. Thc~as Kline, Sheriff