LOCK HAVEN -  Gwen R. Ardner, 42, of Summit Street in Avis, was bound over on charges of Corruption of Minors, Delivery of Controlled Substances to Minors and other related charges following a preliminary hearing on Monday, March 23rd.  MDJ Frank Mills concluded that the Commonwealth, represented by Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse, had established a prima facie case on each of the following offenses:

• 3 Counts of Corruption of Minors (M1), alleging that Ardner:
  • (1) encouraged a 16yo female juvenile to run away from her father;
  • (2) gave advice to the 16yo female juvenile about how to hide her drugs and tobacco products so that the juvenile's father wouldn't find them in the future; and
  • (3) engaged in a conversation and negotiation with the 16yo female juvenile for Ardner to purchase marijuana and tobacco vape devices for the 16yo female juvenile, including the arrangement of delivery to the juvenile, who was grounded in her home at the time.  
• 1 Count of Criminal Use of a Communication Device (F3)
• 1 Count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance to a Juvenile (F)
• 1 Count of Possession with Intent to Deliver to a Juvenile (F)
• 1 Count of Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia to a Juvenile (M2)

At the hearing, DA Strouse produced text messages between Ardner and the 16yo female juvenile that showed Ardner was in regular and frequent contact with the girl, and detailed the messages that served as the basis for the charges listed above.  

Strouse also argued to the Judge that Ardner has a history of this exact type of behavior- having been convicted of Interference with the Custody of a Child (F3) and Concealing the Whereabouts of a Child (F3) in 2023 - when Ardner encouraged a female juvenile to run away from her parents' home and then Ardner concealed the child from police and the child's parents.  Ardner also has convictions for Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled substance and for previously Furnishing Drug-Free Urine in 2024 and 2025.  

Bail was modified by MDJ Mills to $25,000 monetary after the preliminary hearing, and Ardner remains in CCCF on this case as well as parole detainers for her prior convictions.

More information on Ardner's previous conviction involving a minor: https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/clinton/da/133000/post/gwen-ardner-sentenced-0