Trio in Struthers teen branding case plead guilty
YOUNGSTOWN — Three people charged for their roles in the branding of a 17-year-old Struthers teen with a heated snuff can pleaded guilty today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Laurie Lyden, Brian Pryjma, 35 and Ronald Bier, 35, each pleaded guilty to fourth degree felony charges of endangering children and a single count each of contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.
Bier and Pryjma also entered guilty pleas to an amended count of aggravated assault.
Prosecutors are recommending a term of probation for Lyden to be determined by the court and for either incarceration or alternative sentencing for Bier and Pryjma, also to be determined by the court.
The teen was branded in the buttocks during a gathering at Pryjma's home. The teen did seek medical treatment.
A fourth defendant pleaded guilty in November and was sentenced to three years in prison.