Former Westmoreland jail guard admits assaulting prisoner

A former Westmoreland County jail guard pleaded guilty Tuesday to assaulting an inmate in 2009.

Steven Greenawalt, 29, of North Huntingdon was sentenced to two years' probation as part of a plea bargain that will require him to testify against two former co-workers facing charges in the alleged beating of inmate James Edwards on June 6, 2009.

Greenawalt also agreed to no longer work as a jail guard.

Edwards claims he was beaten and choked by four guards, who then attempted to cover up the assault. Last year, the county paid Edwards $75,000 to settle a federal lawsuit he filed in connection with the incident.

In all, six jail staff members, including four guards, were fired.

Greenawalt was accused of participating in the beating and in court yesterday told Judge John E. Blahovec that he was guilty as charged.

Greenawalt pleaded guilty to simple assault, official oppression, terroristic threats and conspiracy.

Defense attorney Pat Thomassey said Greenawalt is not a bad guy.

"People should understand the tension that jail guards have to deal with every day. Guards are human, and every now and then, emotions get the best of them," Thomassey said.

Greenawalt is the second of the guards to be sentenced. Last summer, Christopher Pickard, 27, of West Leechburg was ordered to serve one year on probation in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program. Pickard did not admit guilt as part of the deal, but he did agree to testify against his former colleagues.

Criminal charges are pending against Craig Petrus, 28, and Randy Miller, 29, both of North Huntingdon.