YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Congratulations to Assistant Prosecutors Katherine Jones and Kyle Hilles on their second guilty verdicts in jury trials in the past few months. Richard Wayne Kennedy, 38, was found guilty of assaulting a Goshen Township Police Officer following a two-day jury trial before Judge Anthony D’Apolito. Kennedy was found guilty of one count of Assault, two counts of Harassment with a Bodily Substance, one count of Resisting Arrest, and one count of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol. Assistant Prosecutors Katherine Jones and Kyle Hilles effectively presented the evidence and ensured the jury had a clear understanding of the defendant’s actions, leading to the guilty verdict.
Kennedy’s charges stem from a traffic stop on Salem-Unity Road. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. When officers attempted to place Kennedy in the cruiser, he refused to comply and became combative, striking an officer multiple times with his foot and causing an injury. Kennedy continued to be uncooperative, spitting his blood on the officers and ignoring their commands. He was eventually secured and transported to the Mahoning County Justice Center.
Kennedy will be sentenced at a later date.
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro thanks the Washingtonville and Goshen Township Police Departments for their thorough work and investigation, and recognizes Assistant Prosecutors Jones and Hilles for their professionalism and commitment to securing a conviction.
