SUNBURY -- An 81-year-old Marion Heights woman with a history of harassing neighbors told a Northumberland County judge she's not guilty of trying to run down a man in her neighborhood last summer, while suggesting that her civil rights had been violated by the county judicial process.

Rose M. Galgocy, of 412 E. Clement St., appeared before President Judge Robert B. Sacavage on Wednesday and vigorously denied charges of trying to run over a neighbor, Charles "Chaz" Gallup, with her car last July and spitting in the face of Mount Carmel Township police Cpl. Brian Hollenbush.

"I'm not guilty of any of this stuff. I've never been in trouble in my life," she said, adding that her case should be heard by a federal judge. "I'm fighting here for my civil rights."

Galgocy did not suggest how her rights had been violated. The elderly woman, who has a criminal record of harassment and disorderly conduct dating back three decades, has been receiving treatment in Danville State Hospital.

To protect Galgocy's neighbors, she's prohibited from returning to her home when she is released from the hospital.

"It's not appropriate" for Galgocy to return to the Marion Heights neighborhood until the criminal case is resolved, Rosini said.

Repeating her claims of innocence, Galgocy replied, "Do not call these human mistakes neighbors.'"‰"

She said her problems are real-estate related.

"We own a prime piece of property. This is what this is all about," she said.

Sacavage also granted special conflicts counsel Michael Seward's motion to withdraw as defense attorney and allowed Galgocy to retain private counsel or represent herself on the charges of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and aggravated harassment by a prisoner.

Galgocy told the judge that she also had problems with former special conflicts counsel Michael Rutt.

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