Apr 12, 2018 3 min read

The most serious charges lodged against a Crucible woman accused of stabbing a man in the back of the head were dismissed after it was unclear whether or not she actually used a knife during a fight in Nemacolin last November.

Alyssa Ortiz, 24, of 36 Third St., pleaded guilty Wednesday in Greene County Court and was sentenced to 11 and a half to 23 and a half months in the county jail, 80 hours of community service and a $200 fine.

Assistant District Attorney Brianna Vanata also requested that Ortiz undergo anger management treatment as part of the negotiated plea agreement.

The most serious charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, as well as two riot charges, were dismissed.

Ortiz pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Judge Lou Dayich wondered in court if dismissing the most serious charges in the case was the best way to proceed. Ortiz’s attorney, Joseph Francis, said that he and Assistant District Attorney Patrick Fitch talked extensively prior to Wednesday’s plea. Francis said the initial offer was one to two years in prison, but agreed to a slightly shorter sentence through further discussions.

Although there was a knife found at the scene and witnesses said they saw Ortiz with a knife, it was unclear whether it was actually used in the fight. There were allegations that a pop can may have been used during the struggle.

Francis added the victim’s wounds were superficial and he spent just 45 minutes in the hospital.

Those involved in the fight had “various issues that caused them to interact in the same circle,” Francis added.

Vananta asked if Ortiz had any relationship with the victim, Ricky Finn, or whether she would continue to be in contact with those involved in the incident. Ortiz responded no to both questions.

Cumberland Township police were dispatched to 256 Grant St. about 6 p.m. Nov. 21 on a report of multiple people in the street fighting, one with a knife. By the time police arrived, most people had left. Finn was seen bleeding from the head.

Police said the fight included Finn, Ortiz, Randy Tiberi Jr. and Janet Higginbotham. Witnesses told police Finn and Higginbotham were outside their home and saw Ortiz looking in vehicles with a flashlight and Finn told her to leave. Ortiz then punched Finn in the face and a fight ensued. At some point, Ortiz is said to have retrieved a knife from a nearby vehicle.

Dayich ordered Ortiz to undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations closer to her release to address her previously-diagnosed mental health issues.