A Smethport man is in McKean County Jail on allegations he caused more than $5,000 in damage to a Smethport apartment after a fight with his girlfriend.
Justin L. Safford, 37, of 2982 E. Valley Road, was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge William Todd on one charge of criminal mischief, a third-degree felony.
According to the criminal complaint, at 6:51 p.m. Oct. 12, state police were called about damage at a 384 Champlin Hill Road home and the 2982 E. Valley Road apartment that Safford rented. Both residences are owned by Rick Austin.
Safford allegedly damaged a screen window covering at the Champlin Hill Road; at the East Valley Road apartment, damage included numerous holes in the walls and paint thrown onto two interior walls and the carpet, court records stated.
A trooper was able to reach Safford by telephone on Oct. 15, and Safford allegedly said he destroyed the apartment because he was angry with his girlfriend, Austin’s daughter Nicole. The trooper noted that during their conversation, “Safford asked if he could just plead guilty over the phone,” the complaint stated.
Austin reported to police that the cost to make repairs in the apartment was $5,240, according to court records.
Safford was incarcerated in McKean County jail in lieu of $20,000 bail, and he is scheduled to appear in Central Court on March 8.
