Hearing set for New Castle man accused of assaulting justice

NEW CASTLE, PA.

A preliminary hearing is set in Lawrence County Central Court for Dennis J. Burk, 43, of New Castle, who is charged with assaulting District Justice Jennifer L. Nicholson after she found him guilty of game-law violations.

After the ruling in District Court in North Beaver Township Jan. 10, Burk walked and lunged toward Justice Nicholson, causing her to fear for her safety, according to a Pennsylvania State Police report. Pennsylvania Game Commission officers intervened and Burk left the courtroom.

Later, charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and obstructing administration of law or other governmental function were filed against Burk before District Justice Scott McGrath. A warrant was issued and Burk was arrested Thursday . He is in Lawrence County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bond.