McDonald woman sentenced to prison
A McDonald woman accused of striking a Washington woman with her vehicle in March 2013 was sentenced to 1 to 2 years in prison.
Erica Marie Williams, 26, pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated assault before Washington County Judge John F. DiSalle. Williams was accused of deliberately hitting Jolene Anderson of Canton Township with her vehicle in the 900 block of Addison Street March 26, 2013. Police said Williams tried to kill Anderson after Anderson ended a relationship with her. Anderson, according to police, refused to see or talk to Williams. A witness told police Williams spent the day of the incident looking for Anderson.
Anderson told police she and Cedric Sutton of Washington had just pulled up as Williams dropped off two acquaintances at 925 Addison.
Williams yelled at Anderson, who was in the street. Anderson was trying to yell a reply when Williams, who was in her car about five feet away, accelerated quickly. Anderson was hit by the front of Williams’ Kia sedan, thrown over the hood and onto the street. Williams reportedly made no attempt to swerve or miss Anderson.
Williams drove off and then returned. She allegedly got out of her car and smashed the front windshield and passenger window of Sutton’s sport utility vehicle.
Police also learned that Williams allegedly sent text messages to Anderson’s mother indicating she planned to kill the other woman.
Anderson required treatment at Washington Hospital for injuries to the right side of her face.
Williams originally was charged with attempted manslaughter, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and criminal mischief. She was scheduled for trial Monday but accepted a plea agreement Friday. In addition to the prison sentence, DiSalle ordered that Williams pay restitution, undergo anger-management counseling and have no contact with the victim.
Williams is a former guard at Allegheny County Jail. She was suspended without pay following her arrest. Williams is free on $100,000 bond. DiSalle ordered that she report to Washington County Jail July 6 to begin her sentence.