SMETHPORT — An inmate in McKean County Jail is facing aggravated assault charges after allegedly punching a fellow inmate, causing serious injuries.
Brad R. Rochna, 38, was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge William Todd on charges of aggravated assault, a first-degree felony; simple assault, a second-degree misdemeanor; and harassment, a summary charge.
According to the criminal complaint, at 8:41 p.m. Friday, Rochna saw his cellmate, Christopher Yohe, in his tote trying to get some party mix chips. In response, Rochna allegedly punched Yohe in the face.
Yohe was initially taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center, then transported to a hospital in Hammond, N.Y. There, he had three teeth removed and medical professionals inserted 17 screws and wired his mouth closed, court records stated.
Court records indicate Rochna was incarcerated in February on a parole violation for a previous simple assault conviction.
In the previous case, Rochna pleaded guilty on June 9, 2016, to a charge of simple assault for allegations that he choked a woman, causing bruising around her neck. He was sentenced July 1, 2016, to 26 days to 23 ½ months in jail with credit for 26 days of time served.
A parole revocation hearing in the previous case is set for Thursday in McKean County Court.
Todd set bail in the new case to $20,000, and Rochna is scheduled to appear in Central Court on March 15.
