ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the Allenwood United States Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of infliction of bodily injury, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Lawrence W. Nelson, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 10, 2019, Nelson assaulted a staff member while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution. The staff member suffered a broken nose, black eye and concussion as a result of the assault.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2020 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nelson.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
