By Clayton Over
Centre Daily Times
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Three inmates have been charged in relation to an April riot at Houtzdale state prison that injured five corrections officers and resulted in the facility being locked down, according to the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office.
Norman Wothman, 51, Richard Adams, 34, and Yafest Oliver, 26, each face aggravated assault, assault by prisoner, riot, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment charges stemming from the incident.
The riot reportedly began after corrections officers responded to a fight between Adams and another inmate in the prison yard about 2:30 p.m. April 28, according to criminal complaints filed by state police at Clearfield. Adams was ordered to stop and he instead assumed a fighting stance toward the guards. As they apprehended Adams, they were assaulted by multiple other prisoners.
Oliver is accused of kicking, punching and using a staff radio to assault the officers and stomping on one of the guards who was on the ground, according to a release from the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office. Wothman is accused of punching one of the officers and encouraging others in the yard to join in the attack.
Preliminary hearing dates are yet to be determined.
Clearfield County District Attorney William Shaw Jr. said in the release that other inmates involved in the riot were identified by prison staff and state police, adding he expects more arrests will be made.