Police: Jefferson County Jail Inmate Snaps Another Prisoner With Towel, Punches Him Multiple Times

PINE CREEK TWP., Pa. (EYT) – An inmate at the Jefferson County Jail is facing assault charges in relation to an incident where he reportedly snapped another prisoner with a towel and repeatedly punched him.

Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney-based State Police filed criminal charges against 21-year-old Edgardo Manuel Rosa on August 10.

According to a criminal complaint, around 11:25 a.m. on August 5, Punxsutawney-based State Police were dispatched to the Jefferson County Jail for a report of an assault.

At the jail, police spoke to a known inmate who reported an incident involving Edgardo Manuel Rosa.

According to the complaint, the inmate/victim told police that Rosa had snapped him with a towel, then struck him multiple times with a closed fist on his head and body.

The victim had a black eye and multiple bruises on his body, the complaint notes.

Police also spoke to Jefferson County Jail Warden Dustin Myers who confirmed Rosa was the aggressor in the incident. Myers also told police the victim was taken to Penn Highlands Brookville to be treated for his injuries.

When police questioned Rosa, he confirmed that he struck the victim multiple times but said that the fight was mutual. However, when he was asked if he was struck or injured, Rosa reportedly said he was not, according to the complaint.

The following charges were filed against Rosa through Magisterial District Judge Gregory M Bazylak’s office on August 10:

– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 1
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on September 20 with Judge Bazylak presiding.

Court documents indicate Rosa also has an active case in the Elk County Court of Common Pleas where he is facing burglary, theft, and other charges related to an incident that took place in April.