Point Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Domestic Violence

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Point Marion, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of interstate domestic violence, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Kristopher Lee Holmes pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 30, 2020, Holmes restrained his dating partner while he led police on a high-speed chase from West Virginia into Pennsylvania, with speeds exceeding 100 miles an hour. Meanwhile, the victim was trying to escape the car, including by attempting to open the passenger door to exit the vehicle while it was moving. In keeping the victim in the car against her will, Holmes gave the victim a black eye and left long bruises in the shape of fingerprints on the victim’s left arm.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Holmes on bond.

The Pennsylvania State Police and Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Holmes.