WILKES-BARRE — Admitting he made a mistake by sending emails perceived as threats directed at United States Representative Rob Bresnahan and his wife, John Arnone deeply apologized for his behavior.
“I’m doing very good; something happened that set me back,” Arnone, 61, said during his sentencing hearing before Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas on Monday. “I made a big mistake. I had no intentions of meeting Robert or Chelsea (Strub). It was something from the past. I would apologize to him if he was here. There won’t be any more problems. I’m sorry our honor.”
Lupas sentenced Arnone to 10-to-23 1/2 months plus five years probation on two counts of stalking. Arnone did not contest the charges in a plea agreement with Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Dende on July 31.
A no contest plea means a defendant neither admits guilt nor denies guilt to a criminal charge.
As Arnone was given credit for 467 days time served, he was released on parole but is mandated under Lupas’ orders to strictly follow mental health programs.
Lupas noted Arnone’s better appearance for having undergone mental health treatment at a medical facility and taking medications.
Bresnahan and his wife were not in attendance for Arnone’s sentence. Bresnahan and Strub were married Aug. 16.
During the lead up to their marriage ceremony, Bresnahan and Strub appeared on WBRE 28/WYOU 22 last week, claiming they received threats on their wedding registry.
Arnone’s attorney, John Donovan, said the perceived threats on the wedding registry did not come from Arnone.
“He’s doing much better,” Donovan said.
Dallas Township police in May 2024, charged Arnone after investigating a complaint from Strub about emails she received, according to court records.
At the time, Strub, a former WNEP-TV anchor/reporter, was engaged to Bresnahan, who was the Republican candidate for the PA 8th Congressional District. Bresnahan won the seat in the General Election in November 2024.
Arnone previously worked for Bresnahan’s family business, Kuharchick Construction.
Police n court records alleged Arnone’s first email discussed, “the death of friends and coworkers,” and blamed Bresnahan or his troubles, and ended “Thank you, Robert for being such a great citizens, future Congressman (expletive).”
The second and third emails Arnone sent were apologies for sending the first email.
Under his sentence, Arnone, of Hanover Township, was ordered by Lupas not to have any direct or indirect contact with Bresnahan and his wife.