Former police officer pleads guilty

A former State College police officer pleaded guilty Friday to three misdemeanor counts and one summary offense of criminal mischief as part of a plea agreement, the district attorney said.

Jeffrey Chiston, 45, was charged with stalking, harassment, three misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and a summary offense of criminal mischief in relation to his alleged actions toward a former girlfriend and colleague.

Karen Muir, Chiston's attorney, could not be reached for comment by press time.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said he would withdraw the stalking and harassment charges as part of the plea agreement and request that Chiston receive a sentence of two years probation. He said he would also recommend Chiston be required to pay restitution and be prohibited from contacting the woman.

Sentencing is scheduled for early March, Madeira said. He said the plea agreement must still be approved by a judge.

Man charged with felony retail theft

A man whose identity is being withheld by police because of pending charges is accused of stealing $400 worth of merchandise Jan. 24 from Wal-Mart, 373 Benner Pike, police said.

The man will be charged with felony retail theft for allegedly taking four automobile back-up cameras, each with a value of $100, police said.

NYC musical tickets on sale today

Tickets for a March 24 bus trip to New York City to watch the musical Avenue Q go on sale at 8 a.m. today in the Residence Life office of Redifer Commons in South Halls.

The bus trip is an all-day event and will leave State College at 6 a.m. and depart from New York at 9 p.m. Tickets are $80 for bus fare and a ticket and $40 for just the bus fare.

SHRA member Greg Tallman said lines for the show form early, and the trip usually sells out fast.

Warnock computer lab closed

Warnock computer lab will be closed this week while an air conditioning unit is replaced in the ceiling. It will close today and is scheduled to reopen Friday at noon.