(Towanda, PA) – At a jury trial earlier this month in Bradford County Court, Shana J. McAlmont, 37, of Towanda, Pa., was found guilty of Aggravated Assault-Attempts to Cause Bodily Injury to an Enumerated Person and Resisting Arrest, as well as a charge of Harassment. The jury deliberated for approximately an hour and a half before returning the verdict.
The verdict follows an investigation by Trooper Michael Mogish, of the Pennsylvania State Police, which began on or about October 30, 2021, just outside Monroe Township in Bradford County. A Pennsylvania State Constable went to an address on Route 220 that was the Defendant’s last known address to take McAlmont into custody based on several warrants for her arrest.
When the Constable arrived at the residence, wearing an identifying vest and badge, he was let into the residence by an unknown male, who indicated McAlmont was in the residence. The male went to a rear bedroom and told McAlmont that a Constable was at the residence, at which point, the Constable testified that McAlmont immediately began yelling explicatives.
The Constable then came to the room and identified McAlmont, at which time he attempted to calm her down. When his attempts failed, he attempted to take her into custody, at which point she began strongly resisting. He testified that McAlmont attempted to kick him in the groin twice and attempted to strike him with an open hand in the face, all of which he used defensive tactics to block so as to avoid injury. McAlmont then dropped to the floor and attempted to lock her legs around the bed to avoid going with the Constable.
The Constable testified that he was finally able to place McAlmont in his vehicle and when she arrived at the County Jail, she again began resisting, resulting in multiple corrections officers having to move her into the jail.
The Constable testified for the Commonwealth at trial. The defense called one witness, who was the male party that allowed the Constable into the residence.
The charge of Aggravated Assault in this case only required that the Commonwealth show that McAlmont attempted to cause injury to the Constable, who is an enumerated class under the Pennsylvania statute. The Resisting Arrest charge required the Commonwealth to show that McAlmont resisted a lawful arrest and in doing so, either created a risk of bodily injury to the Constable or that her resistance required substantial force in order to overcome.
Aggravated Assault is a felony of the second degree and is punishable by a maximum of ten years in state prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. Resisting Arrest is a misdemeanor of the second degree and is punishable by a maximum of two years of incarceration and a maximum fine of $5,000. Harassment is a summary offense and is punishable by a maximum of ninety days in jail and a fine of $300.
McAlmont will next appear for sentencing on May 11, 2023 before the Honorable Evan Williams, III. Upon Motion of the Commonwealth, McAlmont’s bail was Ordered revoked pending sentencing.
