Jan 28, 2015 2 min read

A Washington man was sentenced Wednesday to a minimum of 5 1/2 years to a maximum of 11 years in a state prison after he was found guilty in October of beating a woman on three separate occasions.

Ronald A. Patterson, 56, of 605 Ewing St., was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, two counts of simple assault and harassment after a three-day jury trial before Washington County Common Pleas Judge Gary Gilman. He was accused of attacking and beating Deborah Zgorzeliski, 39, of Washington, on June 1, Aug. 28 and Dec. 20, 2013. She was taken to the hospital twice, and Patterson struggled with police on at least one occasion.

Prior to receiving his sentence, Patterson told the court he was unsatisfied with his attorney, Jack Puskar. Puskar said the pair have “irreconcilable differences.” Although prepared to represent Patterson, Puskar asked to withdraw as his attorney. Gilman denied Puskar’s request and told Patterson he could address the issue after he was sentenced in an appeal.

Visibly upset, Patterson was disruptive throughout the hearing and continually disagreed with information presented in the presentence investigation. On several occasions, Patterson accused Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman of lying to and manipulating the court.

Clingerman said Patterson has been arrested 52 times in the last 38 years. A portion of the crimes were considered violent.

Gilman called the situation unfortunate.

“This was a crime of aggravated assault and simple assault against someone he had a long-term relationship with,” he said.

After the hearing, Clingerman said she was very pleased with the outcome.

“The court realized that he has been (causing problems within the) community for many years,” she said.

Puskar declined to comment.

Patterson said on several occasions he intends to appeal the sentence.