2 Youngstoiwn women convicted in police officer's beating

YOUNGSTOWN — Two more of eight women charged in the beating of a Youngstown officer in 2011 have been convicted and sentenced in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Britany West, 21, of Winona Avenue and Jamalia Abrams, 21, of Parkwood Avenue, both appeared this week before Judge John M. Durkin for sentencing in separate plea agreements.

Both women initially had been indicted on felony rioting charges in the assault on Youngstown Police Officer Bridget Quinn in March 2011.

Charges against West were reduced to misdemeanor attempted disruption during an emergency. She was sentenced to six months’ probation beginning this week.

Abrams pleaded guilty to the felony rioting charge and appeared for sentencing

today with her attorney, Pete Climis. Nicholas Brevetta, an assistant county prosecutor, and the state parole authority recommended she be given probation because she has no prior criminal record, has two children and is employed.

Abrams apologized for her role in the altercation but said she did not actually assault the officer.

“I would never disrespect an officer of the law like that,” she told the court before sentencing.

Judge Durkin handed down a sentence of probation for one year.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com