Local

Attorney argues natural gas incident at former councilman's house was misunderstanding

SHARPSBURG, Pa. — A former O’Hara Township councilman who was arrested earlier this month after police said they found child pornography on his home computer faced a judge Wednesday.

Alan Templin was also charged with risking a catastrophe after they said he tampered with a natural gas line inside his home. Investigators detected a strong odor when they arrived at his home.

“We certainly had an apprehension as to the following of natural gas for 18 and a-half hours through the house. It is out position that was risking a catastrophe,” Tony Marmo said.

However, in court on Wednesday, Templin’s attorney argued that the entire incident was a misunderstanding.

Lee Rothman said his client rigged the line to keep his stove working, and he had no idea police would be coming that day.

“He had an oven that just didn’t work properly. In order to heat up his food, he needed to sort of jury-rig the matter,” Rothman said.

Rothman said his client has cooperated from the beginning, and while the judge refused to lower Templin’s $200,000 bond, Rothman said he’ll appeal.

“Mr. Templin has no criminal record. He was a councilman and a constable. He has had the same job for 18 years, and I’m hoping to have a hearing in front of Judge Manning during the next seven days,” Rothman said.

As Templin left the District Justice's Office in Sharpsburg, he declined to answer any of Target 11's Rick Earle's questions.

PREVIOUS STORY: