By MARISSA DECHANT
Staff writer
An Emlenton man accused of assaulting a woman last week during an altercation at a First Street Extension residence in Emlenton was held for court Wednesday on two charges, but a felony strangulation charge was dismissed.
George Willis Jr., 54, appeared before District Judge Matthew Kirtland for the preliminary hearing in Venango County Central Court.
Assistant District Attorney Brenda Servidio called the woman involved in the incident to testify about the events of Sept. 25.
During the struggle, the woman said she and Willis pushed one another before she got free. Willis then fled her home, the woman said.
The woman noted several injuries sustained during the altercation, including bruising on her neck, right wrist and right leg.
Willis’ defense counsel, Edward McIntyre, asked the woman to detail the alleged strangulation.
The woman said the act lasted no longer than 15 seconds, and she was never lifted off her feet.
McIntyre also asked the woman about the statement she made when she filed a protection from abuse order against Willis on Sept. 27. McIntyre said her statement that day and the one given during the hearing varied about the events leading up to the altercation.
The woman replied, saying the variations were due to not having planned what she was going to say on Sept. 27.
Servidio asked Kirtland to amend the criminal complaint to include a misdemeanor count of simple assault by physical menace and a summary count of harassment.
Kirtland ruled that the prosecution met its case for simple assault and harassment, but not strangulation. The two lesser charges were bound over to the Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings and the strangulation charge was dismissed.
Willis was released from Venango County jail on $10,000 unsecured bail.