Court briefs
Robbery trial begins The robbery trial for Tadd Richter, 26, of Dunbar began Tuesday in Fayette County Court.
Richter, of 100 Brick Row Road was charged with robbery simple assault, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy for allegedly knocking down Mary Margaret Cunningham and taking her purse on July 6.
Richter, along with another man, allegedly took part in the robbery along Bell Drive in Dunbar Township.
Last week, Richter was offered a plea bargain that would put him in prison for two to four years, but rejected it, opting for trial.
The case will continue this morning before Judge Gerald R. Solomon.
Drug case opens
Quaan Shekiem White’s drug possession trial began Tuesday before Fayette County President Judge Conrad B. Capuzzi.
White, 26, of 124 College St., Allentown is charged by Uniontown police with possession of one pound of marijuana and possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use.
Police arrested White after pulling over a car in which he was a passenger on May 24 along Clark and Connellsville Streets in the city. Detective Phillip Jones, who performed the stop, took White into custody because he was wanted for homicide in a different county, and reportedly found the drugs when he patted White down.
Testimony is scheduled to pick up this morning.
Assault suspect on trial
Charles T. Ricks, 47, of Connellsville is on trial in Fayette County Court for allegedly assaulting another man.
Connellsville police charged Ricks with simple assault, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct after he allegedly assaulted Eugene Puchi along Henderson Lane last Aug. 11.
According to the police report, Puchi was outside his North 6th Street home when he saw Ricks inside standing near Puchi’s sleeping 1-year-old daughter. When Puchi confronted him, Ricks allegedly ran and Puchi gave chase.
When Puchi caught up with him, Ricks allegedly attacked him, causing defensive wounds to Puchi’s hands.
Judge Ralph C. Warman is presiding over the case.
Man found guilty
Testimony continues