A West Penn Township man already on probation in Lehigh County will spend more time on it after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he assaulted a woman last June in the township.
Furthermore, Theodore C. Black, 45, of New Ringgold, remains behind bars and faces even more legal problems stemming from what prosecutors allege was another assault against a woman in December in his home.
Black pleaded guilty to a charge of simple assault, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of harassment.
Judge Charles M. Miller accepted the plea and sentenced Black to spend 12 months on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform 10 hours community service and have no contact with the victim or her family.
West Penn Township police had charged Black with assaulting the woman on June 23, 2012, in the township.
On Tuesday, Black waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, all of which Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over for court.
West Penn Township police allege in that Black hit Bonnie Steinbrunn in the head with a panel from a washing machine on Dec. 22, 2012, in his residence.
Ferrier sent Black to prison in lieu of $1,500, or 10 percent of $15,000 percentage cash bail, pending further court action. A spokeswoman for the county prison said Wednesday that Black is still in prison.
On Nov. 15, Black pleaded guilty in Lehigh County Court to driving under the influence, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of careless driving. At that time, Judge James T. Anthony placed him on probation for six months and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $300 fine, $100 to the Substance Abuse Eduction Fund and a $50 CJEA payment.
South Whitehall Township police had charged Black with DUI on April 12, 2012, in the township.