Mental evaluation ordered for jailed Unity man as ex-girlfriend remains missing

After serving nearly six months in jail as police continue to search for his missing former girlfriend, a Unity man says he needs help.

Defense attorney Dante Bertani in court Tuesday said Thomas Stanko has become an emotional wreck and is in need of a mental health evaluation.

“This guy is not well as everything is piling up against him. He’s always crying when I’m with him. He’s upset because he feels they’re holding everything against him and for things he has nothing to do with,” Bertani said.

Stanko, 48, appeared before Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Christopher Feliciani for a hearing to appeal a two-to-four-year prison sentence for violating terms of his probation from a prior case. Stanko was convicted for assault and reckless endangerment in connection with 2015 incident at memorial service at a Unity cemetery. The appeal hearing was postponed for a month because of scheduling issues.

The judge ordered Stanko receive the mental health evaluation while remains in the county jail.

He was originally jailed in mid-April for probation violations that resulted from new charges filed against him as police searched his property looking for evidence in connection with the disappearance of 52-year-old Cassandra Gross of Unity. Gross’ family and friends reported her missing April 9. A day later, her burned-out sport-utility vehicle was discovered near Twin Lakes Park. She was last seen April 7.

Police identified Stanko as a person of interest in connection with Gross’ disappearance. Stanko, who claimed he was once in a romantic relationship with Gross, has denied any involvement or knowledge of her whereabouts.

Bertani on Tuesday said the pressure of those uncharged allegations against Stanko and a myriad of other legal problems from prior and pending criminal cases is causing him mental distress. Stanko continues to deny having played any role in Gross’ disappearance. His emotional state has rendered him unable to assist with his defense, Bertani said.

Meanwhile, Gross’ family and friends continue to call for police to investigate and for anyone with information about the disappearance to come forward. On Sept. 25, they held memorial rally to call attention to her disappearance.

Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact at Rich at 724-830-6293.