Letson bill would make assault in a court a felony

WARREN — Responding to two violent episodes in the Trumbull County Courthouse and elsewhere, state Rep. Thomas Letson of Warren, D-65th, proposed legislation to make it a felony to commit an assault or menacing in a court building.

Letson said the bill would make it possible to charge a person with a fifth-degree felony for such acts. The offenses would be punishable by six to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine, instead of the current first-degree misdemeanor punishment of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Letson said he is proposing the legislation because of requests from the Trumbull County prosecutor’s office and various judges.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.