Charges against trooper dropped
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BROWNSVILLE – Charges were withdrawn Monday against a Pennsylvania state trooper who had been accused of threatening his estranged wife.
Marc Damon Packrall, 36, of Fredericktown, was charged April 16 by East Bethlehem Township police with terroristic threats and harassment. Dana Packrall told police her husband had placed a knife on her neck just below her left ear, used obscenities and told her that if he got rid of her, he would get custody of their daughter.
Police Chief Mark Pompe said it was the decision of Dana Packrall to drop the charges, indicating she wanted her husband to get counseling.
As part of the stipulation in withdrawing the charges, Marc Packrall agreed to enter the state police Member Assistance Program. The Washington County district attorney’s office took no position on the agreement.
Peter Marcoline III, who is representing Marc Packrall, said his client has already started the process to enroll in the program because of the stress he has been dealing with since his arrest.
“He has maintained his innocence,” Marcoline said. “There was a full hearing on (Dana Packrall’s) protection-from-abuse request. That PFA was dismissed by Judge Gary Gilman.
“Both of them testified in that hearing,” Marcoline added. “There were also individuals who testified that refuted her claims.”
Packrall has been suspended without pay since his arrest. He was working at the Chambersburg station of Troop H. Marcoline said his client’s lieutenant is actively seeking to have Packrall reinstated.
Marcoline said the state police internal affairs department is continuing its investigation into the incident. During the investigation, Dana Packrall is not permitted to contact her husband, Marcoline said.