SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY — A 34-year-old Scranton woman with two trespass convictions from October is now facing felony charges after police say she returned to a Luzerne Street hotel twice during a single incident — sneaking up to the second floor after initially fleeing when officers arrived.

Kaila Blackwell was arraigned December 15 on one count of criminal trespass — enter structure, a third-degree felony. Bail was set at $7,500 unsecured, which she posted.

The new charge comes seven weeks after Blackwell pleaded guilty to two separate misdemeanor trespass cases. In one of those arrests, she slipped out of her handcuffs and fought with officers during transport.

Upcoming Court Date in Lackawanna County:

• December 29, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – Preliminary Hearing (MDJ Joanne Price Corbett)

The Incident

On December 14, Scranton police responded to Hotel Luzerne in the 1700 block of Luzerne Street for a trespassing complaint. Blackwell had already fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police canvassed the area but came up empty.

Then Blackwell came back — this time making her way up to the hotel’s second floor. Officers returned and took her into custody without incident.

Why It’s a Felony

The charge marks a sharp escalation from Blackwell’s prior cases.

Under Pennsylvania law, criminal trespass — enter structure (18 § 3503 A1I) is a third-degree felony. It applies when someone enters a building or occupied structure knowing they have no right to be there. The offense carries up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Blackwell’s October convictions were for defiant trespass — a misdemeanor that applies when someone refuses to leave after being told. The felony charge suggests Blackwell entered the hotel without any prior warning or communication from staff.

The Charges

December 2025 (MJ-45105-CR-0000529-2025):

• Criminal Trespass – Enter Structure (F3)

Bail: $7,500 unsecured – Posted

Prior Record

Blackwell has racked up eight criminal cases in Lackawanna County since 2019. Six remain open with unpaid fines or court costs.

Trespass History:

• Defiant Trespass (CP-35-CR-0002235-2025): Arrested September 4, 2025. Pleaded guilty October 21 to trespass (M3) before Judge Sean P. McGraw. Disorderly conduct withdrawn.
• Defiant Trespass / Resisting Arrest (CP-35-CR-0002234-2025): Arrested September 29, 2025, at Pisano’s Vending on Olive Street after allegedly trying to steal beer. Slipped one hand out of her handcuffs during transport and resisted officers. Held without bail — the court noted “no amount of bail will guarantee her appearance.” Pleaded guilty October 21 to trespass (M3). Resisting arrest and public drunkenness withdrawn.

Other Convictions:

• Drug Paraphernalia (CP-35-CR-0002230-2025): Guilty plea, October 2025.
• Drug Paraphernalia (CP-35-CR-0001389-2025): Guilty plea, June 2025.
• False ID to Law Enforcement (CP-35-CR-0000152-2025): Guilty plea, December 2024.
• Disorderly Conduct – Fighting (CP-35-CR-0000154-2025): Guilty plea, December 2024.
• Drug Paraphernalia (CP-35-CR-0000142-2025): Guilty plea, December 2024.
• Drug Paraphernalia (CP-35-CR-0001007-2024): Guilty plea, March 2024.
• Theft by Deception (CP-35-CR-0001670-2019): Guilty plea, November 2021. Sentenced to 25 days.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Blackwell faces up to seven years in state prison and a $15,000 fine.

Arresting Officer: Benjamin D. Snyder, Scranton City Police Department

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.