EASTON, Pa. — Charges against a West Ward activist were thrown out on Tuesday, online documents from the Magisterial District Court show.
As of March 19, Easton resident Lance Wheeler’s case over allegations of abuse against three boys in Wilson has been listed as completed according to online documentation.
Two first-degree misdemeanor counts of terrorist threats with intent to terrorize another, one first-degree misdemeanor count of corruption of minors, two second-degree counts of simple assault, and two third-degree counts of harassment were officially dismissed by Magisterial District Judge Alan Roger Mege in a Tuesday hearing.
On August 29, 2022, Wheeler, 56, was charged with threatening students aged 16, 14, and 12 while he was driving a Wilson bus. An affidavit claimed Wheeler made verbal threats to “come after them” and “beat their ass.”
According to the affidavit, Wheeler threatened the 16-year-old, who quickly exited the bus via an emergency escape, with the 14-year-old following shortly thereafter. Police claimed Wheeler continued to verbally abuse the 12-year-old, using racial slurs. Documents state Wheeler contacted his nephew and requested he attack the two older students.
Wheeler was arrested and set free on a $25,000 and went through hearings from May 2023 through January 2024 before his case was officially dismissed.
Known throughout the city as a pillar of philanthropy and charity, Wheeler was a key supporter of efforts to help the victims of the Ferry Street fire that devastated a city block. Wheeler also founded the nonprofit West Ward WISE, a community-oriented group focused on the neighborhood. He has also run a seasonal market on Bushkill Street.
Wheeler ran for district judge previously and for Easton City Council in 2023.
