A Sheffield man has been found guilty of two of the three charges filed against him after a trial last week.

Ronald J. Brown, 50, had been charged in April 2024 with misdemeanor simple assault, misdemeanor terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another and harassment. Brown pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, with several continuances on the court record.

In November 2024, Judge Maureen Skerda had scheduled a trial date, but Brown failed to appear in court. A bench warrant was issued in January 2025. Brown was found and taken to the Warren County Jail in July, at which point the Warren County Public Defender’s office motioned for an emergency furlough that was denied by Judge Gregory Hammond. Later in July Brown’s bail was revoked by Hammond.

Brown’s attorney then filed for a Writ of Habeas Corpus and emergency release in early September. In Pennsylvania, a writ of habeas corpus is a legal tool used to challenge the legality of a person’s detention or confinement. It is filed in the county where the order for detention was entered, and it can be used to argue that the government is holding someone without a lawful basis. A petition for a writ of habeas corpus can also be used before a trial to dismiss charges if the prosecution lacks a sufficient case. Brown’s motion was denied by Hammond, as was a motion requested by Brown’s attorneys to modify his bail.

Brown was found guilty last week of simple assault and harassment while being found not guilty of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

In other court news:

– Matthew S. Smith, 40, of Russell was found not guilty of harassment charges filed against him in late July by the State Police at Warren.

– Brenna M. Karash, 20, of Bemus Point, N.Y., was found not guilty of harassment charges filed in July by the State Police at Warren.

– Nathan J. Houser, 23, of Celoron, N.Y., was found not guilty of harassment charges filed in early July by the State Police at Warren.