Elias sentenced in escape
UNIONTOWN - A former Fayette County man who pleaded guilty to escape, resisting arrest and assault of two probation officers was sentenced Friday to a term in prison that a relative of one of the victims called overly generous.
George J. Elias, 53, of 122 Mount Pleasant Road, West Newton, formerly of Uniontown, was sentenced to six to 23 months in prison total for two separate cases.
On Aug. 7, 2001, he wrestled with two probation officers who were attempting to arrest him, injuring both. One of the probation officers told police that Elias attempted to wrest a gun from one of the officers at a crowded roadside market before escaping.
After escaping, Elias was not apprehended for six months, according to authorities.
In another case, on Feb. 8, 2002, Elias ran from, then wrestled with Uniontown Police after giving them a false name. According to court papers, it took three officers two to three minutes to subdue and handcuff Elias, who they said had a strong odor of alcoholic beverages.
Despite the circumstances of the crimes, and over the objection of the District Attorney, Fayette County Judge Gerald R. Solomon agreed to allow Elias to serve his prison sentence Monday through Thursday each week.
"I felt he should have served time like everyone else. It should have been more strict," said Antonia Petrus, the mother of probation officer Rebecca Petrus, who was slightly injured in Elias' successful escape attempt.
Elias made the request through his attorney, Samuel Davis, who he had hired the evening before.
Davis said the special arrangement would allow his client to continue working as a produce wholesaler.
"His business is primarily on the weekend. He has six employees, your honor," said Davis.
Solomon had already delayed imposition of sentence to allow Elias to operate his seasonal produce stands on roadways in the county.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Grimm objected to the Monday through Thursday arrangement.
"Because of the seriousness of the crime, your honor, we object," he said.
Elias has a voluminous criminal history.
Authorities said he has had his driver's license suspended past the midpoint of this century.
