Man Charged With Assault, Malicious Mischief, And Threats At Gettysburg National Park

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Gary L. DuRocher, 41, no fixed address, was charged in a Criminal Complaint following a series of incident at the Gettysburg National Military Park on Friday night, August 8, 2014. 

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, DuRocher is charged with assault and malicious mischief within the special jurisdiction of the United States for allegedly starting a fire that damaged property in the Park and making a threat of harm to another person.  The Complaint was filed by a Gettysburg Park Ranger.  If convicted of all offenses, DuRocher faces 11 years in prison and fines of more than $500,000. 

     DuRocher was taken into custody after the incidents and made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab in Harrisburg today.  A preliminary hearing on the complaint is scheduled for August 21, 2014.  Magistrate Judge Schwab granted the Government’s motion to detain DuRocher pending that hearing because of his risk of flight and danger to the community.

     Law enforcement officers of the National Park Service, Cumberland Township, Gettysburg Borough, McSherrystown Borough, Pennsylvania State Police and Maryland State Police, as well as fire and emergency response personnel from around the Gettysburg area participated in the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.