Former constable charged with allegedly beating girlfriend
A state constable in South Union Township and former candidate for magisterial district judge was charged Tuesday with simple assault and harassment for allegedly beating his girlfriend. State police trooper Jeremy Barni alleged that Robert Barron, 54, of 40 Loch Lomond St., Uniontown, punched and shoved Beth Ann Herbert at his home around 1 p.m.
According to a criminal complaint, filed before Magisterial District Judge Randy Abraham, Herbert, 39, told police that she and Barron were arguing about him talking to his ex-girlfriend when he got angry and pulled earrings that he gave her out of her ears.
Police alleged he punched her in the face and on the arms, and she fled to the upstairs of the home. Barron allegedly followed her into the bedroom, where he threw her on the bed.
Herbert told police that Barron “put his knee on my chest and struck me in the face, back and leg with his fist.”
Court papers indicate Herbert told police that she went into the bathroom and Barron followed her there and “slammed me up against the wall and struck me again in the chest.”
After that, Herbert told police that Barron walked away and she was able to leave.
Police talked to Herbert around 4 p.m. at the Uniontown Hospital, where she reported the alleged assault, according to the complaint.
Barni indicated in his complaint that Herbert had a lump on her forehead, swelling on her left cheek, swelling behind her right ear, scratches down her left arm and redness on her stomach and back
Barron was arrested at his home, police said.
Barron lost the Democrat primary last year for the magisterial district judge post currently held by Joseph M. George Jr. He also works as a constable out of George’s office.
Since the alleged offense occurred in South Union Township, the case will be transferred to George’s office. George confirmed Wednesday afternoon that he plans to ask county court officials to transfer the case to another district judge to avoid any conflicts of interest.