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Pennsylvania AG Charges Retired Ellwood City Sergeant Over Sheetz Confrontation

The case stems from a June video-recorded encounter with a 19-year-old at a Fifth Street store.

Overview

  • Attorney General Dave Sunday announced counts of simple assault, official oppression, tampering with public records and unsworn falsification against Robert Magnifico.
  • Prosecutors say Magnifico shoved the 19-year-old to the ground, berated him, threw his phone, and grabbed and threw a friend's recording phone.
  • The Attorney General's Office alleges Magnifico filed an inaccurate report and denied the young man his rights during the incident.
  • A widely shared video prompted the investigation after local actions that included suspension, demotion and Magnifico's September retirement from the force.
  • A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 18 as the state prosecution moves forward.