Nothstein preliminary hearing delayed as display remains

The+display+case+that+showcases+Nothsteins+accomplishments%2C+after+reorganization.+Photo+by+Thomas+Hartill.+

The display case that showcases Nothstein’s accomplishments, after reorganization. Photo by Thomas Hartill.

This previously ran in our April 2022 print issue.

The date of the preliminary hearing for an alleged stalker – as well as a display honoring his Olympic cycling accomplishments – have been slightly moved: EHS alumni, Marty Nothstein, heads to court next month.

Nothstein, an Emmaus High School graduate, faces charges of criminal trespass, defiant trespass, and stalking. On Dec. 7, 2021, Pennsylvania State Police took Nothstein, 51, into custody where he was arraigned and later released on $25,000 bail. His arrest comes from his alleged stalking and harassing of an East Penn teacher and guidance counselor over the last year, according to a criminal complaint. Some of those crimes allegedly occurred on district property.

According to the criminal complaint, Nothstein sent several letters to his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend as well as repeatedly stalked them for months. Both victims work at the same East Penn school. The letters consist of racial slurs, vulgar language, and threats of false reporting to their employers directed toward the involved parties; The Stinger is, once again, withholding the names of the victims. 

In February, The Stinger ran a story in relation to the Olympian’s charges and the display of his memorabilia in the sports center lobby. 

Further interviews with school officials disclose that no decision has been made as to whether Nothstein’s celebrated photo and jersey will remain featured in this area of the high school as the charges of stalking two employees on district property remain. 

As a result, there has been no further update to any policy regarding the removal of someone with this honor being displayed. The East Penn School Board declined to comment on the matter. 

Nothstein’s display has remained inside the trophy case at this location since the article was published. However, his display items have now been relocated to a lower shelf within the same case. His memorabilia was swapped with that of Keith Dorney, a football player for the Detroit Lions and 1982 Pro Bowl selection, which previously sat on the shelf below Nothstein’s original display. 

The EHS Athletic Department attributed the relocation to an incident regarding damages within the awards case. Allegedly, a glass shelf within the case broke and was required to be replaced; the department says it is possible that items within the case could have been rearranged in the repair processes. 

As of now, the district is not changing its stance, meaning that his display will remain because the case is still pending.

Nothstein’s preliminary hearing, which was originally scheduled for Feb. 25, will be held at 1:30 p.m. May 11 in district court.