N.Y. man to serve 1-2 years for resisting arrest

BY STACI WILSON

AKirkwood,N.Y., man – who engaged in a wrestling match with a state trooper; was peppered sprayed and Tasered multiple times during his arrest two years ago – maintained his innocence at his Thursday sentencing hearing.

On June 17, aSusquehannaCountyjury found Edwin Bell, 46, guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Bellwas sentenced to serve 12-24 months in state prison on both of the counts. The sentences will run concurrent with each other. He was also ordered to undergo anger management counseling.

The jury foundBellnot guilty on charges of the aggravated assault and disarming a police officer charges that had been lodged against him.

At the sentencing hearing, District Attorney Jason Legg told the courtBell’s prior record included robbery, theft and harassment charges.

Legg also reviewed some of the testimony offered during the trial regarding the incident. He saidBellforced the trooper into the wrestling match and “had to be Tazed a number of times and yet he still refuses to take responsibility.”

Legg also pointed out that it was a domestic situation, withBellcreating a disturbance in the parking lot of the Colonial Brick Hotel,Great Bend, which led to incident with the trooper.

Bell’s attorney, Patrick Daly, submitted a motion for acquittal and asked the court to continue bail until the matter is resolved.

Legg said he had received word thatBellhad made threats against his estranged wife on Wednesday and blamed her for his current situation.

President Judge Kenneth Seamans denied the motion sayingBellposes a danger to others. He also noted a risk of flight becauseBellis not a county resident.