Post by Canton Cougar Fan on Sept 15, 2007 18:40:36 GMT -5
Berks judge dismisses riot charge against Reading Express player
Star arena football receiver Carmelo Ocasio still faces two other charges filed in June after an incident in the city.
By Holly Herman
Reading Eagle
Reading, PA - A Berks County Court judge has dismissed a charge of instigating a riot against a Reading Express receiver accused of trying to prevent police from arresting a man at a party in a city home in June.
Judge James M. Bucci said there was no evidence to support the charge against Carmelo Ocasio, 27, of the 200 block of Mansion Drive, Cumru Township.
Bucci did not dismiss charges of obstructing justice and disorderly conduct.
Ocasio, who is free on nominal bail, said Wednesday that he was pleased the felony charge was dismissed.
Ocasio’s lawyer, James E. Gavin, had asked Bucci to dismiss all charges against Ocasio.
Assistant District Attorney Craig Scheetz said prosecutors do not plan to refile the riot charge.
Reading Express general manager and head coach Bernie Nowotarski said he, too, was pleased the felony charge was dismissed.
“He easily is one of the best players in the league,” Nowo tarski said. “We don’t condone any disrespect or poor behavior to the police, but we don’t want to make any decision until the case is over.”
Nowotarski said Ocasio’s one-year contract has expired and is under review for renewal. He declined to provide a salary.
Police said Ocasio angrily confronted police assisting two bounty hunters who worked for D.W. Inc., 841 Washington St., and were trying to arrest a Reading man at a party June 11.
One of the bounty hunters, Ramon Mercado Jr., 40, of the 400 block of North Fifth Street, was himself arrested Tuesday in connection with another fugitive case.
In Ocasio’s case, according to court records:
Mercado and another bounty hunter entered a home in the 900 block of Court Street to arrest Michael Tiburcio, 23, on warrants for parole violations.
Several people began fighting with the bounty hunters and refused to let them take Tiburcio out of the house.
The bounty hunters then called police to help.
Police said Ocasio shouted an obscenity at police, took off his shirt and acted like he wanted to fight.
•Contact reporter Holly Herman @ 610-478-6291 or hherman@readingeagle.com.
©2007 Reading Eagle Company
Star arena football receiver Carmelo Ocasio still faces two other charges filed in June after an incident in the city.
By Holly Herman
Reading Eagle
Reading, PA - A Berks County Court judge has dismissed a charge of instigating a riot against a Reading Express receiver accused of trying to prevent police from arresting a man at a party in a city home in June.
Judge James M. Bucci said there was no evidence to support the charge against Carmelo Ocasio, 27, of the 200 block of Mansion Drive, Cumru Township.
Bucci did not dismiss charges of obstructing justice and disorderly conduct.
Ocasio, who is free on nominal bail, said Wednesday that he was pleased the felony charge was dismissed.
Ocasio’s lawyer, James E. Gavin, had asked Bucci to dismiss all charges against Ocasio.
Assistant District Attorney Craig Scheetz said prosecutors do not plan to refile the riot charge.
Reading Express general manager and head coach Bernie Nowotarski said he, too, was pleased the felony charge was dismissed.
“He easily is one of the best players in the league,” Nowo tarski said. “We don’t condone any disrespect or poor behavior to the police, but we don’t want to make any decision until the case is over.”
Nowotarski said Ocasio’s one-year contract has expired and is under review for renewal. He declined to provide a salary.
Police said Ocasio angrily confronted police assisting two bounty hunters who worked for D.W. Inc., 841 Washington St., and were trying to arrest a Reading man at a party June 11.
One of the bounty hunters, Ramon Mercado Jr., 40, of the 400 block of North Fifth Street, was himself arrested Tuesday in connection with another fugitive case.
In Ocasio’s case, according to court records:
Mercado and another bounty hunter entered a home in the 900 block of Court Street to arrest Michael Tiburcio, 23, on warrants for parole violations.
Several people began fighting with the bounty hunters and refused to let them take Tiburcio out of the house.
The bounty hunters then called police to help.
Police said Ocasio shouted an obscenity at police, took off his shirt and acted like he wanted to fight.
•Contact reporter Holly Herman @ 610-478-6291 or hherman@readingeagle.com.
©2007 Reading Eagle Company