Court briefs
Deliberations begin A panel of Fayette County jurors began deliberations Tuesday in an alleged kidnapping and sexual assault case lodged against a Point Marion man.
Gerardo Andrade is charged with robbery, kidnapping, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, false imprisonment, simple assault, terroristic threats and sexual assault.
The 40-year-old allegedly lured a woman he met in a bar to a remote location in Springhill Township with the promise of marijuana, and then put a knife to her throat and forced her to perform a sex act on Jan. 9.
According to court documents, Andrade let the woman go after attempting to rob her. Andrade testified that he never assaulted the woman.
He is represented by Assistant Public Defender David Kaiser. Assistant District Attorney Gene Grimm is prosecuting the case before Judge Ralph C. Warman.
Testimony continues
Jurors on Tuesday continued hearing testimony in five theft-related cases lodged against Theodore S. Lombardo, one of two men charged with a string of burglaries in the Connellsville area late last year.
Lombardo faces multiple charges from five separate cases that have been consolidated for trial, including four counts of burglary, theft and theft by receiving stolen property as well as one count each of possessing an instrument of a crime and prowling and loitering.
Included in the charges Lombardo, 28, of 94 Gibson Terrace faces are alleged break-ins at four homes in Connellsville. Items he allegedly took include tools and a purse.
He reportedly had help from his brother, Richard Samuel Lombardo, who was also charged.
Attorney Dianne Zerega represents Theodore Lombardo and First Administrative Assistant District Attorney John A. Kopas III is prosecuting the case.
Judge John F. Wagner Jr. will continue the case today.