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Lycoming County man sentenced on impairment charge

Matthew Zeigler is escorted into the county courthouse on Monday. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

A Lycoming County man was sentenced Monday for a driving under the influence-related offense in which he negotiated a plea with the state Attorney General office as he remains in prison on charges related to alleged reckless endangerment of his eight children.

Matthew Zeigler appeared before Senior Judge John B. Leete in Lycoming County Court, where he was represented by Brian Ulmer, his defense attorney, while Bernard A. Anderson, of the attorney general office, attended the preceding via computer.

Leete agreed with the negotiated consecutive sentence on the charge of DUI general impairment of not less than two days nor more than six months in prison, a $500 fine and covering all court and treatment related costs.

“I apologize,” Zeigler told the court.

“I have stopped drinking and do not have any intention of re-offending,” he said.

It was Zeigler’s first offense, and the plea agreement was to impairment without an accident.

“It does not matter if you are sweeping in the streets or an attorney,” Leete said of those who abuse alcohol.

“Courts can’t order people to stay sober,” he said. “Alcohol has not been your friend.”

Zeigler, who was brought into the court by sheriff deputies, faces eight counts of endangering the welfare of children, and various counts of witness intimidation, obstructing the administration of law and indecent assault, according to court documents.

He remains held in Lycoming County prison.

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