A Bradford woman was sentenced to time in state prison — and to pay nearly $50,000 in restitution — at a vehicle assault case hearing Thursday in McKean County Court.
Devon J. Hulings, 29, of Kane, will serve nine months to two years in state prison and pay $49,436.80 in restitution for charges of aggravated assault by vehicle and accident involving death or personal injury.
Hulings pleaded guilty July 16 to allegations that on April 10, while operating a motor vehicle, she ran over a woman, causing serious bodily injury. Hulings failed to stay at the scene and render aid.
Hulings also had a probation revocation due to the new charges. She had been under supervision at the time of the April 10 incident for hurting someone with a vehicle during a previous incident. She will serve an additional one to two years in state prison for the revocation.
Also in court, Michael C. Schoonover, 34, of Bradford, was sentenced to seven to 14 months in McKean County Jail with credit for 35 days of time served and 23 ½ months of concurrent program for charges of resisting arrest, simple assault and disorderly conduct. A jury found him guilty of the charges on July 27.
According to District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, on March 13, Schoonover went to the Chestnut Street Uni-Mart in Bradford and became upset when he was unable to cash a lottery ticket. He threw a phone at the cashier and knocked garbage cans over outside. When police arrived he continued to be uncooperative, and the altercation became physical. She noted that Schoonover had a lengthy criminal record that included other assaults.
Speaking on his own behalf, Schoonover told President Judge John Pavlock, “I just feel that the cops are supposed to be there to serve and protect, not assault a citizen.”
Prior to giving the sentence, Pavlock said, “His substantial history shows he can’t control his anger.”
However, once the judge finished giving the sentence, Pavlock made note of the physical altercation that took place between Schoonover and Bradford City Police.
Pavlock wanted to make it clear on the record that he is not addressing anything at Thursday’s hearing except the case against Schoonover, but he went on to explain that video footage played at the trial showed an officer punched Schoonover 11 times, including one time in the groin.
“Officer (Kolin) Strawcutter testified that he was trained to use that type of force,” Pavlock said, adding, “Should that be what officers are trained to do?”
The judge said he brought this up because he would not be addressing at Thursday’s hearing whether the officer’s actions were appropriate or not.
Wayne C. Swanson, 64, of Kane, will serve five years of probation with a term of restrictive sanctions for charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and DUI-controlled substance.
Thomas H. Kinner, 40, of Mount Jewett, will serve 18 months of probation and pay $300 in restitution for charges of receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. Court records filed at the time of Kinner’s arrest alleged that he took a camper trailer that was left along a Sergeant Township road with a flat tire, and he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty Aug. 13.
Richard I. Foster, 36, of Titusville, was sentenced to 70 days to one year in McKean County Jail with credit for 70 days of time served for a charge of defiant trespassing. Foster pleaded guilty July 23 to allegations that on Feb. 10, he entered 59 Clarence Ave., Bradford City, which was placarded with a notice stating, “Do not rent or occupy.”
Andrew J. Kolata, 25, of Smethport, will serve 18 months of probation for a charge of simple assault. Kolata, who pleaded guilty Aug. 13, was accused in a domestic dispute on Dec. 7 in Keating Township.
Sarah L. Taylor, 26, of Jamestown, N.Y., will serve three days to six months in McKean County Jail with credit for 16 days of time served and one year of concurrent probation for charges of DUI-controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Maria F. Alfonso, 36, of Bradford, was sentenced to 10 to 30 days in McKean County Jail with credit for 30 days of time served and one year of probation for a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and a summary charge.
Steven E. Dunkle, 41, of Smethport, will serve one year of probation for a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
There were cases held in McKean County Court on Aug. 20.
In one case, Michael J. Dowell, 46, of Eldred, pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct. He will be sentenced Sept. 10. Court records filed at the time of his arrest alleged that on April 14, Dowell was actively aggressive toward police officers, ambulance personnel and hospital staff when he was being involuntarily admitted to Bradford Regional Medical Center for psychological reasons.
Tressa M. South, 55, of Bradford, pleaded guilty to a charge of retail theft. She will be sentenced Sept. 10.
Ian H. Cameron, 27, of Sheffield, was accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program for DUI-alcohol.
