Erie Man Charged with Punching Out Federal Courthouse Complex Window

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Erie, Pennsylvani,a has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of willfully injuring or committing any depredation against any property of the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Paul Howard Scalf, 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about December 23, 2017, Scalf punched out a window causing it to shatter on the southwest side of the Erie Federal Courthouse Complex which caused damaged in excess of $1,000.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Protective Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.