October 29, 2015- Commonwealth v Joe Lenn Smith:  On October 29, 2015 Judge Deborah E. Curcillo sentenced Joe Lenn Smith, age 45 of Duncannon, to four to eight years in state prison for a February 2015 crack cocaine fueled crime spree.  Pursuant to the negotiated plea agreement, Smith will serve an additional 5 years of probation after he completes his state prison term. 

On Valentine Day 2015, Smith entered the Sheetz store on Derry Street with a handgun and demanded cash.  He escaped with a little over $200.  Six days later Smith went to the Wal-Mart in Swatara Township and attempted to steal toiletries but was caught in the act by loss prevention.  Smith however was able to flee the store and wasn’t apprehended for another two days after a police search led them to the city of Harrisburg.  On February 22, Smith ran from approaching police and broke into a random home on Hummel Street to avoid being captured.  After the homeowner fled out the front door, Smith was taken into custody.  Smith’s crime spree was fueled by a crack cocaine addiction that resulted in him searching for money.  Smith's charges include robbery, criminal trespass, flight to avoid apprehension, persons not to possess a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license.        

The cases were investigated by Detective James Moyer of the Swatara Township Police and prosecuted by Dauphin County Senior Deputy District Attorney Stephen R. Zawisky.  Zawisky stated that the crimes were fueled by Smith’s crack cocaine addiction.  “Smith appeared to be a mild mannered person who let his addiction get the better of him.  When he used and needed money, he turned from Jekyll to Hyde, a completely different person.”