Sep 15, 2006 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A former constable faces an October preliminary hearing for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer in a child custody case. Todd Bell, 43, of 220 Houston Ave., is charged with impersonating a public servant, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct in connection with the Sept. 7 incident when he allegedly made attempts to serve child custody documents to Tom Monosky and persuade him to turn the child over to its mother.

According to the criminal complaint filed by Connellsville police Officer Steve Shaffer with the office of Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty, Bell approached Monosky and his wife at a Memorial Boulevard business and identified himself as a Pennsylvania State Constable.

When Monosky requested identification, Bell allegedly replied that he had not driven to the location and could not produce his badge.

During the encounter, police said that Bell allegedly made attempts to have Monosky turn over the child to its mother.

Police said that during the conversation Bell allegedly engaged in the use of obscene language toward Monosky’s wife.

The child’s mother reportedly told officers that she thought Bell was a constable as he had identified himself as one and had attempted to negotiate a $20 fee for his services.

Kelly Parshall, president of the Fayette County Constable Association and an elected Washington Township constable, said that Bell is not a member of the association.

“He was a constable several years ago, but he is not now, nor has he been during the three years or so the association has been in existence,” said Parshall, adding that state certification is now required for all constables.

A constable is “an arm” of the police, said Parshall, and can work for the courts, a district magisterial judge or an attorney, in addition to individuals.

“I serve bench warrants (for the courts) to those who don’t show up for trials,” said Parshall. “We can deliver civil papers or subpoenas for attorneys or delinquent notices for a municipality.”

Parshall said in child custody matters, the constable acts as a “chaperone” and in most cases accompanies one parent to ensure the child exchange takes place without incident.

“We’re going there as a private contractor for one of the family members,” he said. “Most people ask us to be there as a witness.”

A fee is charged for the service in most cases, he added, to cover transportation and other related costs.

Certified constables always carry a photograph of themselves and a badge as identification.

Bell, meanwhile, is scheduled to appear before Haggerty on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.