Sep 5, 2014 3 min read

A Chartiers Township man found guilty of assaulting his former wife and holding her at gunpoint was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.

David Carl Imhoff, 37, of 445 Moon Road, appeared before Washington County Judge John F. DiSalle Friday for his sentencing hearing. Imhoff was found guilty after a four-day jury trial in June on charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Imhoff was arrested in April 2013 after police received a call from his former wife, Brenda Worstell, 34, of Burgettstown, claiming Imhoff punched her in the face several times and held a handgun on her. Worstell also told police Imhoff threatened suicide.

She told police the two were fighting for several days, and she was staying with her parents to let things cool off. Worstell went to Imhoff’s home the day of the attack to switch vehicles and an argument ensued. Worstell left but later returned after Imhoff asked her if they could talk.

Worstell told police she was sitting on the couch with Imhoff when he began to act crazy and pulled a .22-caliber handgun from behind a cushion and pointed it at her. Worstell ran to the front door, but Imhoff blocked it and would not let her pass, police said. He then tackled her to the floor and held her down, choking her until she lost consciousness several times. She told police she tried to get up but could not get him off her. Worstell also said he punched her two or three times in the left eye and temple.

Worstell testified in court Imhoff strangled her and forced her hand onto a gun to fire it, so it would leave a print and residue.

Imhoff claimed he was acting in self-defense.

Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman noted Imhoff’s lengthy criminal history during the hearing Friday.

“He never takes responsibility for his actions,” she said. “He tries to place blame on the victims. The defendant has been in the system for decades and fails to be remorseful.”

She also noted his crimes have become more serious over time.

“They went from (drug charges), to committing aggravated assault on three women,” she said.

DiSalle agreed, stating that Imhoff had numerous chances over the years to make a positive change in his life.

“He is still blaming everyone but himself,” he said.

Worstell was present during the hearing, but declined to make a victim impact statement.

In addition to the prison sentence, Imhoff was also sentenced to anger management classes and to not have contact with Worstell. He was given a 500-day jail credit for time already served.

Clingerman felt the sentence was appropriate, and believes it will offer Worstell some comfort. The couple married in 2009 and divorced nearly two years later, but they had reunited at the time of the attack.

Imhoff’s attorney, Molly Maquire Gaussa, said the sentenced was “expected.” She said she plans to file an appeal on behalf of her client.

Imhoff will be transferred to a state correctional facility.