Former Penn State football player LaVon Chisley was granted a place in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program yesterday in connection with charges of terroristic threats weighed against him in November 2005.

Centre County Judge David Grine handed down the ruling after Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira decided ARD could be considered because Chisley is a first-time offender, Centre County Assistant District Attorney Nathan Boob said.

The program is an alternative to a criminal conviction that allows the defendant to pay fees and do community service.

Chisley was charged with making terroristic threats for allegedly saying he was going to get a gun to kill his girlfriend's uncle. According to court documents, it was believed that Chisley was in possession of a gun when he allegedly made the threats. The incident was reported because the victim said he feared for his life.

Boob said the ARD option was considered because both the victim and witness wrote letters to the District Attorney's office stating they did not want to proceed with the case and were not willing to testify.

Boob said after a bench warrant was issued when Chisley was a no-show for a March 30 court date, Chisley had 30 days to produce himself, which he did.

Chisley's girlfriend also filed a petition for emergency relief from abuse. According to court documents, Chisley was evicted from the residence on Martin Street because there was "immediate and present danger of abuse" for herself and a child.

Chisley's attorney, Karen Muir, did not return phone calls by press time.