Court fines former humane society director for violating orders of protection

The former longtime director of the Pike County Humane Society was fined $200 ordered to pay all court costs for violating two orders of protection against him.

Janet Heim and Selina McGinnis, each represented by attorney Jeffrey Earline, successfully petitioned the court to find Barry Heim in contempt of court for violating its orders.

Two hearings on the contempt charges were held Nov. 16 before Judge Gregory H. Chelak at Pike County Court.

Earline read to the court a paragraph from the protection order stating that Barry Heim isn’t to contact either Janet Heim or Selina McGinnis for the duration of the order. He also had Barry Heim read the paragraph aloud in the courtroom.

Barry Heim’s estranged wife, Janet Heim, said he twice came to the Pike County Humane Society’s grounds in Shohola after the protection orders were issued. On one occasion he was accompanied by a board member. Constable Michael Christopher was present on both occasions, July 22 and 24.

On one of those occasion, Janet Heim said Barry Heim left the humane society grounds with a filing cabinet full of humane society documents. Earlier in the summer, he left with a computer, she said.

Longtime Pike County Humane Society manager and supervisor Heather Tringo heard Barry Heim talking to Janet Heim in violation of the terms of protection order. McGinnis said Barry Heim was “uppity” with her when he came to the humane society grounds.

Barry Heim has denied all wrongdoing. He is represented by Matthew J. Galasso, who could not be reached for comment.