MARIETTA, PA — Last Wednesday, Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Conrad sentenced a Marietta man, Warren Raffensberger Jr., to a prison term ranging from 8 to 18 years. Raffensberger, aged 68, residing on Nicole Street, faced convictions for illegally possessing a firearm, making terroristic threats, and committing simple assault.
The sentencing followed a March trial verdict where Raffensberger was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm. In May, he pleaded guilty to additional charges of terroristic threats and simple assault. Prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Anthony Gilbert, the case highlighted Raffensberger’s extensive criminal history, including a 2008 conviction on similar charges.
According to Gilbert, Raffensberger attempted to manipulate the judicial process and the victim, meriting a significant sentence. “This man does not deserve the mercy of this court,” Gilbert stated. The defense attributed Raffensberger’s actions to anger management issues stemming from a motorcycle accident in the 1990s and recent personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter during the pandemic, which led him back to heroin and methamphetamine use.
Judge Conrad rebuked Raffensberger’s assertions of religious redemption during the trial, noting his dishonesty and problematic temperament. The case originated from an August 2022 domestic incident reported by the Susquehanna Regional Police. Responding to a call at E. Market Street, officers encountered Raffensberger who admitted to assaulting his wife amid severe pain from past injuries.
The confrontation escalated as Raffensberger threatened his wife’s life and was recorded making violent threats. Police also discovered a rifle in the home, confirming Raffensberger’s illegal possession of the firearm due to his felon status from previous convictions including aggravated assault, burglary, theft, and robbery.
