Jan 5, 2015 2 min read

A Washington man pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated assault and possession with intent to deliver after he was arrested last year for his involvement in two different crimes. He was sentenced to several years in a state prison by Washington County Judge Valarie Costanzo.

Dashawn Ellis Whitaker, 20, of 610 Addison St., was arrested May 1 after South Strabane police received information that two suspected heroin dealers were staying at Motel 6, 1283 Motel 6 Drive. Police said they obtained a warrant to search a room rented by Marcus B. Lovell, 32, of Tobyhanna, Monroe County, and found 132 stamp bags of suspected heroin, two iPhones and more than $800. Both Whitaker and Lovell were arrested. Whitaker had an outstanding warrant for his involvement in a burglary and beating of another man.

Lovell remains in Washington County jail, awaiting sentencing.

Washington police said Whitaker broke down the door to the residence at 660 Addison Street July 28, 2013, and entered with Robert Fuller, Demoreze Betts and a juvenile. Police said the group then attacked and beat Vidal A. Herrera with their fists and the butt of a pistol. Herrera suffered head injuries.

Fuller, 20, of Washington, was released on bail and cannot be located. A warrant is out for his arrest. Betts is scheduled to appear before a judge in February. The juvenile’s case was handled in juvenile court.

In the two cases, Whitaker faced charges of burglary, aggravated assault, conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver, manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance, and use and possession of drug paraphernalia. As a part of a plea agreement, the remaining charges against Whitaker were not pursued by the Washington County District Attorney’s office.

Whitaker was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in a state prison and is eligible for a boot camp treatment option. He is not to have contact with Herrera.

Whitaker will remain in the county jail until he is moved to a state facility.