Four Charges Dismissed in Eckstine Case

Former Spring-Ford band director John E. Eckstine had four charges dismissed from the case that was a result of an alleged and vehicle accident in Lower Pottsgrove on May 2. Eckstine will not be charged with two counts of recklessly endangering another person (misdemeanor), one count of furnishing authorities with information without knowing (misdemeanor), and one count of simple assault (misdemeanor).

Eckstine's hearing was in front of Magisterial District Judge Edward C. Kropp Sr. on May 17. The following charges will be heard at the Court of Common Pleas in Norristown on July 5:

• 1 count - Misdemeanor Stalking (repeatedly commit acts to cause fear)
• 3 counts - Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• 1 count - Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct (hazardous/physical offense)
• 1 count - Summary Subject Other to Physical Contact
• 1 count Careless Driving

The woman involved in the altercation that occurred on May 2, Jacqueline M. Alegado of Limerick did not have any charges dropped at her hearing. All of the following charges will be heard at the Court of Common Pleas in Norristown also on July 5:

• 2 counts - Felony Aggravated Assault
• 1 count - Felony Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner
• 4 counts - Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• 1 count - Misdemeanor Simple Assault
• 1 count - Misdemeanor Ethnic Intimidation
• 1 count - Misdemeanor False Reports (reported offense did not occur)
• 1 count - Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct (hazardous/physical offense)
• 1 count - Summary Harassment Subject Other to Physical Contact
• 1 count - Summary Careless Driving

Several witnesses testified at the preliminary hearings. We will have more information on the case soon.

Despite earlier , former and current Spring-Ford students did not show up in mass to support Eckstine. There has been no information released regarding the reason for that. Eckstine as band director at the school on the morning of May 4.