Frazier school board member talks about allegation
PERRYOPOLIS – A Frazier School Board member and local attorney proclaimed his innocence to fellow members Thursday by stating various charges filed in November against him in Allegheny County were dismissed in court while charges from a separate incident in July in Washington County have yet to be resolved. John H. Lowery III, read a prepared statement to the board regarding both incidents while chastising the Herald-Standard in a story that appeared on Wednesday in relation to the charges.
“I am sorry for the unnecessary bad publicity they have attracted to both myself and by association the Frazier School District,” said Lowery in his statement.
Lowery, 37, of Fayette City, was most recently charged by Pittsburgh Police in November with aggravated assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness following an incident in Allegheny County.
According to court records, Lowery was arrested and released after posting 10 percent of a $2,000 bond.
Lowery read from the statement, “I believe justice has been served as those charges were dismissed in open public court…In fact, I have the right to have the fact that I was even charged expunged from all official court records.”
Lowery further stated the Herald Standard was unfair and inaccurate in reporting the incident because it failed to mention the charges were dismissed nor was he asked to comment on the matter.
In July, State police charged Lowery in Fallowfield Township with driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving, driving an unregistered vehicle and operating a vehicle without a valid inspection.
According to the criminal complaint, Lowery’s Blood Alcohol Content at the time of the incident was .23 percent.
The complaint further stated that Lowery was transported to Mon Valley Hospital where a blood sample was taken and given to state police in Greensburg. “When the results of said analysis are forwarded to your affiant, this complaint will be amended accordingly,” stated the complaint. Lowery told the board he could not comment on the case since it has not been resolved.
He did state however that, “I have dedicated must time and effort to being a school board member and am proud of our accomplishments here at Frazier and I will continue to serve our community to the best of my ability.”