Wilkes-barre, PA – A Nevada woman has been sentenced to probation and barred from the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza following a December incident involving trespassing and a struggle with Wilkes-Barre Township police. Mariah Sky Alvarez, listed as a resident of Spark, Nevada, faced Luzerne County court this week and pleaded guilty to charges stemming from her arrest.
The Incident at Mohegan Arena
Table of Contents
- 1. The Incident at Mohegan Arena
- 2. Further Charges at Police Headquarters
- 3. Sentencing and Restrictions
- 4. Understanding Criminal Trespass and Assault Charges
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about trespassing and assault
- 6. What legal recourse might Robert Henderson have to challenge the Mohegan Tribe’s ban, considering the complexities of tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction?
- 7. Nevada Resident Prohibited from Entering Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township
- 8. The Incident & Initial Reports
- 9. understanding the Ban: Mohegan Tribal Gaming & security Protocols
- 10. Details of Henderson’s Prior Incident
- 11. Legal Ramifications & Rights of individuals
- 12. Impact on Future Events & Arena Security
- 13. Resources for Further Information
According to court records, Police were initially dispatched to the Arena on Highland Park Boulevard on December 13th after security personnel discovered Alvarez trespassing in a restricted area. Alvarez reportedly told security she was attempting to excavate the area in search of fossils, near discarded blankets and beer cans.
The situation escalated when Alvarez refused repeated directives from law enforcement to leave the premises. She then initiated a physical confrontation with officers, resulting in injuries to a police sergeant. Further resistance occurred after she was handcuffed, where she allegedly attempted to assault a detective.
Further Charges at Police Headquarters
The disruptive behavior continued after Alvarez was transported to police headquarters. While being subjected to a standard search by a female officer, Alvarez intentionally urinated on the floor of a holding cell. This act led to an additional charge of institutional vandalism.
Sentencing and Restrictions
Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas sentenced Alvarez to one year of probation.As part of the sentencing, prosecutors agreed to withdraw a more serious felony charge of aggravated assault. A key component of the sentence is a complete ban from the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza.
Attorney John Donovan represented Alvarez throughout the legal proceedings.
| Charge | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Resisting Arrest | Guilty – Probation |
| Institutional Vandalism | Guilty – Probation |
| Defiant Trespass | Guilty – Probation |
| Disorderly Conduct | Guilty – Probation |
| Aggravated Assault | Withdrawn |
Did You Know? Trespassing laws vary by state, but generally, it involves entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. Penalties can range from fines to jail time, depending on the severity of the offence.
Pro Tip: Always respect private property and follow instructions from security or law enforcement officials to avoid legal issues.
What factors do you think contributed to the escalation of this incident? How can arenas better manage trespassers while ensuring officer safety?
Understanding Criminal Trespass and Assault Charges
Criminal trespass and assault on a police officer are serious offenses with potentially severe consequences. According to the FBI, there were an estimated 607,561 aggravated assaults reported in the United states in 2023, highlighting the frequency of such incidents. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Understanding the legal definitions and ramifications of these charges is crucial for both law enforcement and individuals.
Assaulting a police officer often carries enhanced penalties due to the inherent risk to those who uphold the law. These charges can lead to significant jail time, fines, and a criminal record. It’s essential to cooperate with law enforcement and seek legal counsel if facing such accusations.
Frequently Asked Questions about trespassing and assault
- What constitutes criminal trespass? It generally involves knowingly entering or remaining on property without permission, often after being warned not to.
- What are the penalties for assaulting a police officer? Penalties vary by jurisdiction, but can include significant fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record.
- Can a charge of aggravated assault be dropped? Yes, prosecutors may drop charges based on various factors, such as plea agreements or insufficient evidence.
- What should you do if you are accused of trespassing? You should promptly seek legal counsel and refrain from making any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Is refusing to leave a property considered trespass? Yes, refusing a lawful request to leave private property can be considered trespass.
Share this article and comment below with your thoughts!
What legal recourse might Robert Henderson have to challenge the Mohegan Tribe’s ban, considering the complexities of tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction?
Nevada Resident Prohibited from Entering Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township
The Incident & Initial Reports
On October 22, 2025, a Nevada resident, identified as Robert Henderson, 38, was denied entry to the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania. the incident stemmed from a pre-existing security directive related to a prior incident at a Mohegan Tribal property. Initial reports indicate Henderson was attempting to attend the [Insert Event Name Here] concert when arena security flagged his identification. The situation quickly escalated, requiring local police intervention from the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department.
understanding the Ban: Mohegan Tribal Gaming & security Protocols
The Mohegan Tribe, owners and operators of mohegan Sun Pocono (formerly Mount Airy Casino Resort) and the Mohegan Sun Arena, maintains strict security protocols across all its properties. These protocols extend beyond casino floors and encompass entertainment venues like the arena.
* Tribal Sovereignty: The Mohegan Tribe operates under a degree of sovereign authority,allowing them to establish and enforce their own rules regarding who is permitted on tribal lands and associated properties. This is a key factor in understanding the legality of the ban.
* Cross-Property Bans: Individuals banned from one Mohegan property – be it a casino,hotel,or the arena – may face restrictions at other locations operated by the tribe.This is often due to shared security databases and a unified approach to maintaining a safe environment.
* Reasons for Bans: Common reasons for being banned include disruptive behavior, suspected illegal activity (such as card counting or cheating), violations of property rules, and, in some cases, involvement in legal disputes with the tribe.
Details of Henderson’s Prior Incident
According to police statements and confirmed by Mohegan Sun Pocono representatives, Henderson was previously banned from Mohegan Sun Pocono in 2024 following an altercation with security personnel. The incident involved allegations of disruptive conduct and verbal abuse towards staff. While no criminal charges were filed at the time, the tribe opted to issue a trespass notice, effectively barring him from the property. This trespass notice appears to have been extended to include the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Legal Ramifications & Rights of individuals
While the Mohegan Tribe has the authority to ban individuals, certain legal considerations apply:
* Due Process: Individuals facing a ban typically do not receive the same level of due process as in a criminal trial. However, the tribe is generally expected to provide a reasonable explanation for the ban.
* Right to Appeal: The Mohegan Tribe does have an internal appeals process for individuals seeking to have a ban lifted.Details of this process can be found on the Mohegan Sun website.
* Legal Challenges: Challenging a tribal ban in court can be complex, often requiring navigating both tribal and state laws.Legal counsel specializing in tribal law is recommended.
* Wilkes-Barre Township Police Role: the Wilkes-Barre township Police Department’s involvement was limited to maintaining order and ensuring Henderson did not trespass onto private property after being denied entry. They do not have jurisdiction over the tribal ban itself.
Impact on Future Events & Arena Security
This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
* Enhanced ID Checks: Arena security is likely to increase scrutiny of identification at entry points, notably for individuals from out of state.
* Database Integration: The incident underscores the effectiveness of integrated security databases that allow for the rapid identification of individuals with prior issues at other Mohegan properties.
* Patron Awareness: The Mohegan Tribe may consider increasing public awareness of its security policies and the potential for cross-property bans.
Resources for Further Information
* Mohegan Sun Website: https://mohegansun.com/ (For information on tribal policies and appeals processes)
* wilkes-barre Township Police Department: https://wbpd.org/ (For official police statements)
* Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board: https://pbgc.pa.gov/ (For information on gaming regulations in Pennsylvania)
