Suspect waives right to hearing
James Edward Lecorchick, 36, of 205 S. Mount Vernon Ave., Uniontown, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Monday on charges that he physically abused 2-year-old Christina Benedetto at various times over several months beginning in June. He is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of children. The case will now move into Fayette County Court to be decided either by a trial or a plea bargain.
Fayette County Children and Youth Service workers summoned police to the Uniontown Hospital emergency department to talk to the victim who had bruises on her head, face, back, stomach, arms and legs.
A doctor told police she had a month-old fractured collar bone and a two-month old fractured humerus. Both injuries had begun to heal.
Police said Lecorchick had been living with the victim’s mother Linda Benedetto and her three children, including the victim. Police interviewed the mother and the children, and they said Lecorchick hit, kicked and pushed the victim at 205 S. Mount Vernon Avenue and at their previous residence on the same street.
Police said Lecorchick admitted to pushing the girl into a door jamb causing bruises to her face and head and pulling her by her arms and hearing a bone snap.
District Justice Mark Blair remanded Lecorchick to the Fayette County Prison in lieu of bond.