Kidnapping charge dropped, man pleads guilty to simple assault, making threats
A West Bethlehem Township man entered a guilty plea in Washington County Court Wednesday to simple assault and making terroristic threats against his ex-girlfriend.
Scott Edward Deditch, 33, of Topsail Lane, was arrested in late April after holding Kate Wheeler against her will in his pickup truck and threatening to kill her.
Judge Gary Gilman gave Deditch credit for time served and sentenced him to nine to 23 months in the county jail.
Deditch is to be evaluated for drug and alcohol abuse, have a mental-health assessment and follow any recommendations for treatment. The judge ordered him not to have any contact with Wheeler, who several times tried to jump out of his moving truck.
Deditch reportedly waved a handgun in the cab and screamed, “Someone will die.”
Wheeler was able to free herself briefly and call 911. State police pulled over Deditch’s truck on Dutch Glory Road and took him into custody.
The two had been drinking at several taverns before ending up at a bar in Marianna.
Charges of kidnapping, reckless endangerment and aggravated assault were dismissed.