Sep 29, 2015 1 min read

PITTSBURGH – A western Pennsylvania judge has ruled that two Pittsburgh constables “abused their power” when they handcuffed a middle-aged woman and dragged her by her legs out of her home over an unpaid parking ticket last year.

Allegheny County Judge Beth Lazzara Tuesday convicted 26-year-old Christian Constantini and 45-year-old Michael Lowman of simple assault, reckless endangerment, official oppression and conspiracy. Both remain free on bond pending their Dec. 22 sentencing.

The judge cited inconsistencies between Constantini’s testimony and a report he wrote on the night of the October incident. She said she found the testimony of the woman and her daughter believable.

Defense attorneys said they would appeal. They earlier denied wrongdoing and said their clients acted “professionally” even after the incident “got out of hand.”