Man who assaulted SCI-Fayette corrections officer receives up to 20 years

A man who assaulted a corrections officer at the State Correctional Institution at Fayette in Luzerne Township has been sentenced up to 20 years behind bars.
Quydeem Jamal “Sharpshooter Quiz” Hawkins, 26, of Philadelphia stabbed Sgt. David R. Zebrowski in the head with a homemade weapon on Aug. 20, 2018.
Hawkins was reportedly swinging his dining tray toward inmates during their evening meal when another officer put him against the wall. Hawkins stabbed Zebrowski with a melted cup sharpened to a point, about 6½ inches long. He later spit at an officer, hitting him in the arm. Zebrowski required five sutures to close a one-inch gash on his head, court documents said.
Earlier this month, a Fayette County jury found Hawkins guilty on the charges of assault by prisoner, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was found not guilty on the charge of aggravated harassment by prisoner.
Judge Linda R. Cordaro said because of the nature of the assault and Hawkin’s criminal history, she sentenced him to 10 to 20 years in a state correctional institution.
Prior to sentencing, Hawkins said he was initially offered a plea deal in the case that included a five-to-10-year prison term, which he wanted. Assistant Public Defender Sue Harper said that offer was revoked by District Attorney Rich Bower.
Cordaro told Hawkins the purpose of the sentencing hearing was not to revisit plea negotiations and added that the district attorney has the right to withdraw a plea deal.
He also asked the judge to delay his sentencing, claiming he needed a psychological evaluation. She denied the request. Hawkins is already serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for a murder conviction out of Philadephia County in 2015. Monday’s 10 to 20-year sentence will run concurrent with Hawkin’s life sentence.
He remains lodged at the State Correctional Institution at Greene.