HOUTZDALE – Charges were held for court against two inmates who were allegedly involved with the April riot at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale following a preliminary hearing Thursday at Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins’ office.
Yafest M. Oliver, 27, an inmate, has been charged with four counts each of aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, simple assault and harassment. He has also been charged with one count each of riot and disorderly conduct.
Richard Adams, 34, also an inmate, has been charged with aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, riot, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.
According to the affidavits of probable cause, at approximately 2:34 p.m. April 28, corrections officers responded to an alleged physical altercation between two inmates in the south yard at SCI Houtzdale.
An officer allegedly observed an inmate on the ground while Adams was kicking him in the head and face area. He radioed the Control Office personnel and alerted them of the assault. When officers approached Adams, they ordered for him to cuff up.
However, Adams allegedly refused orders and proceeded to take a “fighting stance.” He told officers: “You’re not cuffing me!” Three officers took Adams to the ground and attempted to restrain him with handcuffs.
At that point, several inmates allegedly interfered and started to assault the five officers at the scene in the south yard. Inmates allegedly punched and kicked them multiple times about their heads, faces and bodies.
Upon investigation it was found that Adams allegedly kicked, stomped and punched an officer while he was on the ground. The officer was flown to UPMC Altoona for treatment of his injuries as a result; he suffered a laceration on his head, facial contusions, head injuries (including a concussion) and a sinus fracture.
It was found that Oliver allegedly struck the officer with closed fists about his head and body while he was on the ground. He then allegedly punched and kicked a second officer while he was on the ground. This officer was transported to UPMC Altoona for treatment.
He allegedly struck a third officer in the back of his head before taking his radio off his belt. He allegedly used the radio to hit the officer in the head. The officer was transported by ambulance to UPMC Altoona for treatment of head injuries, along with others to his neck, right arm and wrist and right rib area.
Oliver was also among the inmates who allegedly struck a fourth officer and helped to knock him to the ground. This officer was transported to UPMC Altoona for treatment of injuries, including a brain concussion, facial contusions and right arm pain.
Norman Wothman, 51, an inmate, has also been charged with aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, riot, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was allegedly observed striking an officer in the head with a closed fist.
After the victims were removed and transported for treatment, Wothman allegedly refused to follow any orders. He allegedly threatened other inmates who were attempting to leave and encouraged them to stay in the yard to assault officers.
Wothman’s hearing was continued Thursday. It has been re-scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 3, according to online court documents.