By Mark Gilger
The News-Item
COAL TOWNSHIP — A former inmate at SCI-Coal Township has been charged with “sucker punching” a correctional officer, who suffered a concussion in the assault last month.
Donald Raymond Dougherty, 49, who is now incarcerated at SCI-Retreat in Hunlock Creek, was charged Thursday by Trooper Ronald Zanella of state police at Stonington with a felony of aggravated assault and misdemeanor of simple assault relating to a Dec. 16 disturbance in an inmate dining room at SCI-Coal Township.
According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Sgt. James Delbaugh approached Dougherty when he realized the inmate was from the west side of the facility, but was eating in the east side dining room. Police said Delbaugh requested Dougherty leave the dining hall. Initially, Dougherty appeared to comply with the request and started walking away before “sucker punching” Delbaugh in the right ear and throwing several more punches that hit the correctional officer in the head and face. Delbaugh was knocked to one knee and became dizzy and nauseated before blacking out, according to police.
Correctional Officer Clifford Allen, who witnessed the assault, came to Delbaugh’s aid and was struck in the head by Dougherty, who continued to fight before being restrained by Allen and Correctional Officers Roger Bass and Shane Lahr.
Delbaugh, who suffered a concussion, and Allen were treated in the prison’s infirmary. Delbaugh was then transported to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital for further treatment.
Police said Dougherty had small cuts on his right index and middle knuckles.
Officials at SCI-Coal Township declined comment about the assaults.