DuBois man who threatened judge sentenced to state prison for assault | Crime

CLEARFIELD — Jason P. Walls, 48, of DuBois, who was convicted at trial of assault and later threatened the presiding judge, was sentenced to state prison by Presiding Judge Fredric J . Ammerman Monday in plea and sentencing court.

Walls was convicted of simple assault – a second-degree misdemeanor – during a jury trial before Ammerman on April 2.

After the trial, Assistant District Attorney Tami Fees reported that when Walls was taken to jail, a sheriff's deputy overheard Walls say that if he ever met Ammerman at a restaurant, he would “get revenge” on him. Walls also allegedly had contact with the victim, in violation of the court order.

Walls' attorney, Josh Maines of Bellefonte, argued that Walls is a changed man since his conviction. Maines said Walls has already served 112 days in jail and asked that Walls be booked into the Clearfield County Jail so he can get out and help his family.

Fees said the probation department recommends a sentence of six months to two years in state prison, but the Commonwealth is seeking a sentence of one to two years in state prison.

Ammerman sentenced Walls to a minimum term of nine months to two years in state prison. He must also undergo counseling and is prohibited from having any contact with the victim. Ammerman also ruled that it was a crime of domestic violence and that Walls was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

According to the criminal complaint, Sandy Township police responded to a residence on North Third Street. Police spoke to the victim and found that she had a bruise above her left eye and a bruise on her arm. The victim said the bruise above his eye was caused by Walls' headbutt.

As for the arm injury, she said on Dec. 23, she was trying to open the front door when Walls grabbed her and threw her to the ground. While she was on the ground, she said Walls kicked her arm, causing the bruise.

Police interviewed Walls and he denied the accusations and claimed the victim had fallen on the ice. He also claimed the victim scratched him in the face during an argument, but police found no facial injuries.