Bradford County man pleads guilty to assault, other charges withdrawn

Towanda, Pa. — A man pleaded guilty to an assault witnessed by three children.

Justin James Benson, 37, struck a woman several times in the head before breaking her phone, according to a complaint. Children at the home in the 600 block of Second Street told police Benson was physically abusing the woman.

An argument over cheating began on Aug. 1, which prompted an anonymous call to police about an assault, Officer Clinton Vermilya said. Police spoke with the victim, who had red marks on her knees, head, and right nostril, Vermilya added.

The accuser claimed Benson punched and kicked her several times, according to Vermilya’s report. The children, ages 9, 9, and 12, were allegedly in the next room.

Benson broke the accuser’s phone, which was valued at $1,000, Vermilya wrote.

Benson pleaded guilty to third-degree misdemeanor simple assault. Criminal mischief and harassment charges were withdrawn.

Docket sheet