Man cuts down tree and things go badPITTSTON — Police say a man angered over tree sap he thought was ruining his car has been jailed for the unkindest cut of all: Chopping down the tree, which crashed onto his own apartment building.Fifty-one-year-old Raymond Mazzarella has been in the Luzerne County jail on aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and other charges since he was charged Monday in the incident Saturday in Pittston Township.The tree was in his neighbor’s yard, but authorities say its branches hung over Mazzarella’s parking place.Township code officer Terry Best said Mazzarella took matters into his own hands. But the tree smashed into Mazzarella’s apartment house, damaging it so badly it has been condemned. Five others are now homeless.

Fake student may be deportedHARRISBURG — A 23-year-old Ukrainian man who faked his name and age while attending high school has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges.Artur Samarin entered the pleas to passport fraud and Social Security fraud on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to separate fraud and sex charges in Dauphin County Court earlier. Authorities say he admitted to lying about his identify to secure a free public education and having sex with an underage girl.Prosecutors say Samarin could be deported. Samarin impressed teachers and community leaders before authorities concluded he was considerably older and overstayed a visa.