Woman charged in shooting, robbery

Staff report

Ellwood City, Pa.

A woman accused in a shooting and assault on Hollow Road in Wayne Township has turned herself in to Pennsylvania State Police.

Barbara Jean Prestia, 46, of Ellwood City, turned herself in on a warrant Thursday.

She is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and simple assault.

The charges stem from a shooting and robbery that happened July 31.

Two victims, a 48-year-old man and a 27-year-old man, were walking along the road when they were confronted by people in three cars. One person shot at them from close range with a .45-caliber gun, police said.

The 48-year-old man was jumped, beaten and robbed of $140, his cellphone and medication. He was treated and released from Jameson Hospital. The other victim fled and was not hurt.

Prestia was arraigned before District Magistrate Jennifer Nicholson and taken to Lawrence County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bond.

Her husband, Edward Joseph Prestia, 43, still is wanted on similar charges, police said.

John Alan Pounds, 47, of Ellwood City was arrested previously and is in the jail in connection with the case, police said.