Assault charge moves forward

BY STACI WILSON

A simple assault charge filed against a Susquehanna County businessman was bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing Monday in Montrose District Court.

According to the police affidavit, Adam Diaz, 33, Kingsley, allegedly punched a man in the eye area following an altercation in the early morning hours at a bar in Bridgewater Twp., on Jan. 30.

Diaz is the owner of several area businesses, including a stone and pallet company, disposal company, and a timber mill.

The 35-year-old victim, who resides in New York, told the court that he had been in the bathroom of Emberz when a man, identified as Patrick Mooney, a friend of Diaz, called him a “scumbag” after he used the urinal and then made a phone call before washing his hands.

The man then told the court Diaz then entered the restroom. The victim said he told the two men he “didn’t want any trouble” but Diaz punched him. The victim said he did not provoke the assault with words or actions.

According to the affidavit, Diaz had told police in a Feb 8 interview that he was involved in the fight.

Diaz saw his friend arguing with the man in the bar bathroom and attempted to intervene.

According to police, Diaz said he thought he was going to be hit so he punched the man.

In court, the victim, who had been snowmobile riding in the area that day, said he sustained an orbital floor (eye socket) fracture that required surgery as a result of the punch.

The victim said that Diaz and Mooney – who was not charged in the incident – left the establishment after the altercation.

The alleged victim was the only witness who offered testimony at the preliminary hearing.

Attorney Joseph D’Andrea is representing Diaz in the matter.

Attorney general’s office senior prosecutor Patrick Blessington is handling the case for the Commonwealth.

According to court documents, Susquehanna County District Attorney Jason Legg advised the victim that he Diaz had been a client of his when Legg maintained a private practice and the victim opted to have the matter turned over to the attorney general’s office.

Diaz was released on his own recognizance.