Jail counselor goes to jail after domestic dispute
A Washington County jail counselor was an inmate there Tuesday night, arrested by South Strabane Township police after he allegedly pointed a rifle at his wife during a domestic disturbance at their home.
Jay S. Green, 43, was taken into custody just after 8 p.m. at his home at 1196 N. Main St. Barbara Wertz told a 911 dispatcher her husband was intoxicated and had pointed a rifle at her. Police were also told she was outside in her vehicle, but her 8-year-old son was inside the house with Green.
Police were en route when they learned Green was going in and out of the house without the rifle. When police arrived, they saw Green in the living room of the house. Police called him to step out and he was detained.
Wertz told police Green drank a large amount of alcohol. He reportedly became argumentative and was not making sense, she told police. Wertz told police Green stood up and asked “So you want me to do it? You want me to shoot you and the dog?” He then reportedly got the key for the gun case and removed a semiautomatic rifle. She was able to leave and go to her vehicle where she called police.
Wertz told police where they could find the weapons inside the house. A pistol was found in the bedroom and eight rifles were located in a gun safe. Police seized the weapons and held them for safekeeping.
Green was arraigned before District Judge James Ellis on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment and endangering the welfare of children.
He was placed in Washington County jail and later released after posting $20,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 13 before District Judge Jay Weller.
Green was hired by the county in 1997. A correctional counselor works with inmates to determine where they should be housed and seeks treatment for their drug and alcohol abuse or mental health issues.
Scott Fergus, Washington County director of administration, confirmed that Green is a county employee but was unable to comment about his employment status Thursday.
“It’s a personnel matter,” Fergus said. “That’s all I know.”