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Judge sets trial in attack

2 min read
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A Washington County judge granted a Donora man’s request to have the amount of his bond reduced from $1 million as he faces charges stemming from the alleged beating of a woman last year in Charleroi.

The reduction proved to be a moot point as Terry L. Newton Jr., 27, will remain in jail on a probation and parole violation until the latest case is decided.

Judge Michael Lucas agreed to Newton’s request for nominal bond Tuesday during a brief proceeding. The judge also scheduled a nonjury trial for Aug. 28 and 29.

In light of the most recent charges, Lucas found in a Nov. 22 order Newton “violated his probation and parole” in a 2013 drug case and ordered Newton to remain in Washington County jail while the latest charges are still pending.

Newton has been jailed since his arrest Aug. 17 on charges including attempted homicide, unable to cover bond.

Charleroi Regional police were called to a home on Fallowfield Avenue that night and said they found Raven Randall, 24, unresponsive and bleeding. Newton allegedly led a patrolman on a foot chase through the borough before he was apprehended.

Randall, Newton’s ex-girlfriend, was hospitalized following the attack, during which police alleged he used a chest freezer and dehumidifier.

Newton asserted in a self-prepared petition he was entitled to nominal bond because he was held more than 180 days – an argument Gary Graminski, who has since been appointed Newton’s attorney, echoed in court Tuesday.

Barring delays caused by the defense, those who are entitled to bond can’t be jailed for more than that length of time before trial under the state Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman didn’t dispute the 180-day limit had lapsed, but asked Lucas to detain Newton because of “serious danger” she argued Newton poses to the victim and community.

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