LANCASTER, PA — A Lancaster man has been sentenced to five to 10 years in state prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman and two children during a violent incident in July 2024.
James Edward Johnson, 46, of South Lime Street, was sentenced by Judge Dennis Reinaker following his March 19 guilty plea to multiple charges, including strangulation, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, and criminal mischief. He also entered a no contest plea to two counts of aggravated assault.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on July 25, 2024, at a residence in the 800 block of Sterling Place in Lancaster Township. Johnson, who was intoxicated and under the influence of PCP, attacked the victims during a domestic dispute.
One of the victims, an adult woman, sustained a large bruise above her eye and facial swelling after being punched repeatedly. An 11-year-old girl suffered swelling and bruises on her face and chest. An 8-year-old boy had bruises on his neck and reported being strangled to the point of pain and difficulty breathing.
Police said the situation escalated after a verbal argument turned physical. The children attempted to intervene, prompting Johnson to strike and throw them, and prevent them from calling 911. The 11-year-old eventually escaped to a neighbor’s home and called for help after the adult victim managed to stop the assault.
Officers arriving at the scene found the victims with visible injuries and in a disheveled state. Items in the home, including a lamp and phone, were damaged during the altercation.
